Eliminating traffic congestion in Baku and surrounding areas has long been one of the main topics of public discussion. Especially the traffic jams observed during peak hours and the passenger density experienced in public transport create a basis for the intensity of these discussions.
Oxu.Az reports that within the framework of the "State Program for the Improvement of Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas for 2025-2030," relevant steps are planned to be taken in this direction.
The main goal of the program is to ensure more effective functioning of the transport system and reduce the burden within the city.
Within the framework of the new program, it is envisaged that the working hours of a number of state bodies, educational and medical institutions will be organized on a flexible schedule basis.
This means that instead of a single start and end time for institutions, different arrival and departure times are planned to be implemented. Experts believe that this step will lead to a reduction in traffic congestion during peak hours and ease the burden on the public transport system.
In addition, the program also proposes the implementation of a distant (remote) work regime in some state and private enterprises. According to some experts, this model, which proved its efficiency during the pandemic, can further help reduce the use of public transport during morning and evening hours.
However, some questions regarding the implementation mechanisms of the program still remain open.
Although we sent inquiries to all relevant agencies regarding the issue, it was not possible to get a concrete answer. It was stated that relevant work is being carried out on the matter in the Cabinet of Ministers. Our inquiry addressed to the Cabinet of Ministers has not yet been answered.
One of the questions arising from the implementation of a flexible work schedule is whether working hours will be extended or shortened if this system is adopted, and how realistic this is.
Economist Vugar Bayramov stated in his comments to Oxu.Az that the implementation of a flexible work schedule is important.
New plan against traffic in Baku: When will the flexible schedule and remote work regime begin?
"If we look at developed countries, especially European countries, we will see that different working hours are applied in state institutions, the private sector, and even the service sector in those countries.
I believe that the implementation of a similar practice in Azerbaijan is also appropriate. Because this is important in terms of eliminating traffic jams and congestion on the roads. According to the state program, it is expected that start and end times of work will be different. This means that the standard 09:00-18:00 work regime will not be applied. However, this does not mean the extension or shortening of working hours, but simply the alteration of working times. Undoubtedly, the eight-hour working regime will remain in force in accordance with the Labor Code," V. Bayramov emphasized.
Since we could not get an answer to our inquiry from the relevant agencies, another question remains open: How realistic does the implementation of these mechanisms seem by the end of 2025?
What are the experts' predictions?
Transport expert Eldaniz Jafarov emphasized in his statement to Oxu.Az that the flexible work schedule could be implemented by the end of the year:
New plan against traffic in Baku: When will the flexible schedule and remote work regime begin?
"During 2025-2026, analyses should have been conducted, relevant lists approved, and a flexible work regime implemented according to these lists. I believe there is no difficult issue here, and this process can be realized by the end of the year. The only difficulty in changing the work regime will arise with educational institutions. I think it might be a bit challenging to change their work regime – schedules, programs – but it can be implemented in a later stage. In the initial stage, whichever institutions or private companies adapt more quickly to the change in work regime can already transition," E. Jafarov stated.
As can be seen, the focus is currently on when and in what stages the program will be implemented. What is clear is that there is a need for changes in the capital's transport infrastructure, and it is important to implement systematic approaches to eliminate problems as soon as possible.