Friday, August 17, 2012 -
The rise in Almaty public transit costs this summer has affected the work lives of thousands of Almaty residents, local media reported Friday.
Transit rates jumped from 34 cents to 54 cents per fare, and have been universally applied to Almaty trams, buses, and trolleys.
The increase in rates means Almaty workers are re-evaluating where they work, the Liter.kz news agency reported Friday.
“Before, I worked in a shop near the house,” one Almaty resident told the news agency. “But I found a job in another town. Now it is expensive to get to the store. I’m probably going to look for a job closer to home.”
Of the twenty Almaty residents interviewed by Liter.kz, seven said increased transportation costs meant they would be looking for a job closer to home. Six others said they would like to change jobs but could not find work, and so would be spending less money on other expenses.
One of those interviewed owns a car and is unaffected by the increase in rates, while two others are now looking to purchase a used car.