Baku, September 29, 2025
Expected increases in fares for buses and the metro will not affect the pricing of taxi services in Azerbaijan, according to transport expert Yasin Mustafayev.
Speaking to Qaynarinfo, Mustafayev stressed that the two sectors operate under different pricing models.
“Fares for buses and metro are regulated by the state. But taxi services are different – prices are set freely, determined by market competition,” he explained.
The expert noted that occasional rumors about taxi fare hikes are often fueled by taxi companies themselves. “Taxi firms may attempt to coordinate and raise prices jointly. But such collusion is illegal,” he said.
Mustafayev acknowledged that individual companies might still raise their prices, but market dynamics would quickly restore balance.
“If one provider increases fares, passengers will simply switch to competitors that keep rates unchanged,” he argued.
He also highlighted the growing influence of ride-hailing apps, which allow consumers to instantly compare prices across platforms. “Many passengers use multiple apps to order taxis. This helps them pick the most cost-effective option available,” Mustafayev added.
