Overview of Current Challenges
Getting around in Tbilisi is one of the biggest headaches for its residents. Whether by private car or public transport, the experience is fraught with discomfort, stress, and exhaustion. Residents often find themselves stuck in traffic jams or waiting endlessly for public transport.
While the situation has improved compared to previous years—thanks to modern buses, the replacement of outdated mini busses, and the introduction of bus lanes—the main issue remains unresolved: the number of passengers far exceeds available transport capacity. The problem concerns not just the quality of buses but their quantity and uninterrupted operation.
Expert Insights: Public Transport Policy
Public Transport vs. Private Cars
Eka Laliashvili, Chairperson of “Georgia’s Alliance for Safe Roads”:
“Public transport should be the priority. In large cities, it must take precedence to regulate traffic congestion, a constant challenge in Tbilisi.
The number of private cars increases by about 5% annually that worsens traffic jams. Despite recent advancements in transport policy, such as expanding networks and increasing buses, the growing reliance on private cars remains a challenge.
Tbilisi’s transport policy and long-term plan are commendable. They focus on making public transport accessible, ensuring pedestrian—and wheelchair-friendly infrastructure, and incorporating cycling options. Newly renovated streets like Chavchavadze and Tsereteli align with modern requirements. However, congestion during peak hours, long waiting times, and lack of citywide connectivity remain significant issues.
Incentives like parking restrictions and efficient alternatives are needed to encourage drivers to switch to public transport. Behavioral change is also crucial, as public transport has not been considered prestigious for decades. Changing these perceptions requires effort, awareness campaigns, and sustained development of public transport.”
Making Public Transport Attractive
Giorgi Babunashvili, Head of the Urban Lab:
“Public transport must be a reliable and attractive alternative to private cars. It needs to be predictable, comfortable, and independent of traffic congestion. Only then will it gain trust.
The ‘Sistra Group’ scheme has planned ten corridors with approximately 1,200 buses (excluding minibusses). Completion of these corridors will ensure smooth, efficient travel. The network includes primary trunk lines, city lines connecting neighborhoods, and local lines reaching areas inaccessible to large buses.
While people often demand routes without transfers, such a system isn’t feasible. Tbilisi’s metro stations are spaced 1.3 km apart, requiring additional buses for connectivity. This situation unavoidably results in some duplication of routes.”
Current Challenges
- Construction and Traffic Problems: Excessive construction on sidewalks has led to the emergence of shops and the need for parking spaces, traffic lights, and speed bumps. These factors, combined with reduced driving lanes and a lack of parking culture, have worsened traffic flow.
- Metro Congestion: Tbilisi’s metro no longer has “rush hours”—it remains crowded throughout the day despite 2-3 minute intervals between trains. Stations like Station Square, Didube, and certain escalator areas face significant overcrowding.
The Metro and Cycling Infrastructure
Walking and Cycling
Giorgi Babunashvili:
“Walking and cycling are vital but remain underdeveloped in Tbilisi. While the hilly terrain poses challenges, many areas are suitable for cycling. For instance, residents in Vake can easily bike to Vera. Promoting short-distance cycling could significantly reduce the reliance on cars and buses.”
Eka Laliashvili:
“Planning must prioritize walking, public transport, and bicycles over private cars. Balancing the interests of pedestrians and drivers is key.”
Resident Experiences
Salome, a 31-year-old woman:
“I love the modern, clean buses, but this alone doesn’t make commuting comfortable. Traffic congestion, poorly planned roads, and overcrowded public transport make my 1-hour-and-20-minute commute a nightmare. Breathing in packed buses and metros is nearly impossible.”
38-year-old man:
“The main issue is the lack of public transport. Buses are often overcrowded and delayed. Sometimes, the display at the stop shows ’00,’ but the bus takes a long time to arrive.
Improperly parked cars and private vehicles block bus lanes, causing delays. Public transport must be prioritized. While the unified payment system is excellent, we need more buses, better lane management, and stricter patrol control.”
Solutions: A Vision for Tbilisi’s Transport
Developing Public Transport
Giorgi Babunashvili:
“Finalizing the bus network and considering metro expansion is critical. Building metro stations is expensive and long-term (costing $80–100 million per kilometer), but necessary as the city expands to peripheral areas.”
Behavioral Change and Responsibility:
Eka Laliashvili:
“There’s no single solution. Everyone wants fewer traffic jams, but it’s essential to recognize shared responsibility. Planning travel and choosing alternatives like walking or public transport for short distances reflects modern, responsible living.
Implementing intelligent transport systems and reducing private car use are essential for managing congestion. Citizen engagement through public consultations and information campaigns can foster ownership of changes, leading to more significant public support for transport reforms.”
Conclusion
Alexandre Dumas’ famous The Count of Monte Cristo ends with the words, “Wait and hope.”
And so, residents of Tbilisi wait and hope—for the arrival of a bus and a better, more efficient transport system.
