Armenia
Students for Accessible Transport: When an Everyday Problem Becomes a Public Issue
In the town of Ijevan in the Tavush region, public transportation has long been a challenge—one that affects students most severely. After the municipality was expanded in 2021 to include an additional 19 settlements, it became clear that the existing number of routes and their timetables no longer meet the needs of residents, especially young people commuting for education. The last buses often leave the town early in the afternoon, preventing students from fully participating in classes, cultural life, or part-time work.
In response to this situation, the youth initiative “Students for Accessible Transport” was launched, led by Davit Aleksanyan, President of the Student Council of the Ijevan Branch of Yerevan State University. Together with students from different settlements, he initiated an advocacy campaign aimed at improving public transport by increasing the number of routes and adjusting schedules to real passenger needs.
Work with students formed the backbone of the initiative. Five working meetings and a survey were conducted, collecting concrete data on everyday transportation difficulties. As a result, an active student group was formed, capable of articulating shared demands and supporting them with evidence.
An important step was also the establishment of cooperation with local non-governmental organizations and individual members of the municipal council. Thanks to this collaboration, the transportation issue moved from informal discussions to the official agenda and was presented during public debates and meetings with local authorities. In addition, students submitted a proposal to the 2026 participatory budgeting program, advocating for support for free transportation for students commuting from surrounding settlements.
The story of the initiative in Ijevan shows that even an apparently “technical” issue—such as a bus timetable—can become a catalyst for broader civic engagement. When young people come together, collect data, and communicate systematically with decision-makers, they can influence public policy and advocate for fairer living conditions in their region.