After the fact of suspension of passengers' transportation has been confirmed by the Minister, all transporting organizations including the ones in Echmiadzin and Abovyan cities have been forewarned by the RA Ministry of Transport and Communication. At the same time it was announced, that in case of not eliminating the violation in 15 days' period after receiving the forewarning, as well as in the event of repeating the same violation during one year, the organization will be deprived of the right of route service.

On October 6, 2011 the staff of the RA Human Rights Defender's Institution received a call from three citizens regarding the suspension of passengers' transportation in Echmiadzin-Yerevan, Abovyan-Yerevan directions. The Defender immediately used the only legal authority he has when dealing with such kind of complaints and sent an official letter to the RA Minister of Transport and Communication. The Defender asked the Ministry to review the information presented by the citizens and, in case of its substantiation, take urgent measures to ensure the compliance with the confirmed timetables' requirements.

Positively evaluating such a response from the competent state body, the Defender, nevertheless, is concerned with the manifestations of public transportation disruption and prevention of passengers' transportation in public routes and suggests all the transporting organizations to preserve from any attempt to prevent passenger's regular transportation, as well as avoid violation of requirements stated by law.

The Defender reminds that according to the RA Law "On Motor Vehicles", the carrier, who implements regular passengers' transportation, is obliged to ensure the compliance with the confirmed timetables' requirements as well as avoid failures in transportation, arbitrary deviations from the course of route and delays in vehicles' provision.

Source: www.hra.am