BAKU — September 3, 2025
If Baku’s traffic situation continues to deteriorate, the introduction of a congestion fee for driving into the city center may soon become unavoidable.
Transport specialist Yasin Mustafayev, speaking to Qaynarinfo, said that the measure — already used in many major cities worldwide — could help ease the capital’s gridlock.
“In many countries there is a so-called congestion tax. To prevent traffic collapse, drivers must pay when entering certain areas of the city. We are inevitably moving toward this solution,” Mustafayev explained.
He argued that Baku residents also need to reconsider their commuting habits:
choosing schools, kindergartens, and workplaces within walking distance,
covering distances of less than a kilometer on foot,
and embracing bicycles or e-scooters as alternatives.
At the same time, the expert noted, public authorities must expand transport infrastructure. Plans include building ten new metro stations and reviving tram lines. Public outreach and education campaigns will also be necessary to prepare citizens for the change.
According to Mustafayev, Azerbaijan’s car fleet grows by about 100,000 vehicles annually, while less than 1% are scrapped. “This means the number of cars is increasing exponentially. The problem is further aggravated by ongoing roadworks in several districts, which reduce capacity even though they are essential. With the school year starting on September 15, the strain will only intensify,” he said.
He stressed that beyond state policy, families must make more responsible choices, such as considering transport accessibility when deciding where to live or where to send children to school.
“The main factor driving the crisis is the excessive use of private cars. Citizens need to rethink their travel patterns and switch to public transport wherever possible,” Mustafayev concluded.
