Social Assessment Identifies Urban Transport Priorities in the Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract

Since the demise of the Soviet Union, urban transport services in the Kyrgyz Republic have deteriorated badly and are increasingly incapable of satisfying public demand. Currently publicly owned and operated services are available primarily in the capital, Bishkek. Private operators provide a variety of transport services in Bishkek and other urban areas. Whether publicly or privately provided, however, the services are not satisfactory to users. The Kyrgyz Government is concerned about this situation and has requested World Bank assistance. The proposed project will focus on three major cities: Bishkek, Osh, and Jalal-Abad. As part of the project preparation process, the Bank launched a social assessment (SA) in September 1997. The SA sought to gain a better understanding of transport patterns and the transport needs of low-income residents, as well as to facilitate stakeholder participation in the design of a people-focused urban transport project. This Note gives a brief presentation of the objectives of the social assessment, the basic steps followed, and the main findings and recommendations from the SA.