Uzbekistan launches subsidized taxi service for children with disabilities
Government to cover transport costs for school commutes in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Andijan
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan has launched a pilot project to provide subsidized taxi rides for children with disabilities traveling to and from specialized schools in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Andijan, in a move to improve access to inclusive education.
The initiative is led by the National Social Protection Agency under the President of Uzbekistan in partnership with Yandex Uzbekistan, UZDaily reported.
As part of the program, eligible children will be able to book taxi rides via the Yandex Go app, with the government reimbursing a portion of the fare.
According to officials, each child may receive monthly transport compensation of up to 1.2 times the base calculation amount—450,000 Uzbek soums ($35)—depending on their benefit category.
The subsidy can cover between 60% and 100% of ride costs.
“We are consistently creating conditions in which every child has equal access to education and social life,” said representatives of the National Social Protection Agency.
“This project is not just a solution to transportation issues, but a step toward strengthening families’ confidence and improving quality of life.”
Yandex Go users can access special options such as “Will be with a wheelchair” or “Help find a car,” ensuring that drivers are prepared to assist passengers with special needs.
The company emphasized that it takes no commission on these rides; all government reimbursements go directly to drivers.
“This aligns with our mission to solve real-life problems using technology,” said Izat Shukurov, head of Yandex Uzbekistan.
Eligible participants include children with visual impairments, mobility challenges, or severe intellectual disabilities.
The program’s legal framework is based on Decree No. 132, issued on Feb. 28, 2025, titled On Improving Educational Conditions for Children with Special Educational Needs.
Data on eligible students and their legal guardians are being compiled in the Unified National Social Protection information system.
Quality assurance and feedback mechanisms will be overseen by the State Unitary Enterprise “Center for Information Technologies,” which operates under the agency.
Officials say the program marks a step forward in building an accessible urban environment that supports the right to education for all children.
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