Taxis in Baku are currently not permitted to use dedicated bus lanes, and there are no immediate plans to change this regulation.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rahman Hummatov made this statement during a round table discussion dedicated to the 2025 implementation of the "State Program on Improvement of Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas for 2025–2030."
Hummatov noted that there are currently more than 25,000 registered taxis in the capital, though the actual number is likely higher.
“Allowing such a large number of vehicles into dedicated lanes could undermine their primary function. Taxis would stop in these lanes to pick up and drop off passengers, which disrupts the flow of traffic and reduces the overall efficiency of the lanes,”the Deputy Minister explained. He emphasized that the current priority is to ensure the rapid and uninterrupted movement of public transport within the existing infrastructure.
The decision aligns with Azerbaijan's broader strategy to modernize urban mobility and reduce congestion in the capital. Over the past few years, Baku has significantly expanded its network of dedicated bus lanes to encourage the use of public transportation. By prioritizing buses over private vehicles and taxis, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport aims to improve the punctuality of the city's transit system and decrease the carbon footprint of the metropolitan area.
