Overcrowded trains and buses, often carrying passengers without tickets, have long been a feature of life in Turkmenistan, continuing to frustrate residents who rely on intercity transport.
As reported by Chronicles of Turkmenistan, many had hoped for improvements following the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister for Transport and Communications Mammetkhan Chakyev. However, in the three months since Batyr Annayev was appointed to the role, no meaningful progress has been observed in passenger transport services.
Purchasing train or bus tickets online is possible only 7-10 days before departure. Closer to the travel date, passengers turn to ticket offices, but tickets are typically sold out. Meanwhile, intermediaries offer tickets at prices three to four times higher than official rates.
For example, a train ticket from Ashgabat to the town of Yoloten costs around $8 at official counters, but resellers charge between $26 and $32 for the same ticket. The situation is even more pronounced for Dashoguz: an official seat in a sleeper-class carriage costs about $16, while tickets purchased through intermediaries can reach $58.
Residents of Dashoguz region face the greatest challenges. There are reportedly no buses or taxis available. Only two trains run daily, which locals describe as critically insufficient.
In contrast, buses and taxis operate to the towns of Bayramaly, Turkmenabat, and the city of Turkmenbashi. Nevertheless, trains on these routes remain heavily overcrowded, with passenger numbers exceeding capacity by 1.5 to 2 times. Those unable to obtain tickets online, at ticket offices, or through intermediaries often pay conductors directly. As a result, passengers occupy not only seats and berths but also stand or sit in vestibules, corridors, and even near toilets.
According to the publication, the only noticeable change since Annayev took office has been a ban on carrying traditional Turkmen flatbread and govurma (fried, preserved meat) on international flights. While some restrictions existed previously, eyewitnesses reported that in the early days of his tenure, bins at Ashgabat airport were filled with confiscated food items prohibited from export.
