Eid al-Fitr disrupts Yekaterinburg's buses and spikes taxi fares

Public transport in Yekaterinburg faced disruptions on March 20 as bus drivers and taxi operators adjusted schedules during Eid al-Fitr. The city's Route 82 experienced delays after a dozen employees failed to show up for work. Meanwhile, taxi prices rose sharply as many foreign-born drivers took the day off to observe the holiday.

The trouble began early on March 20 when 12 bus drivers assigned to Route 82 did not report for their shifts. Their absence caused delays and service gaps during the morning hours. The drivers' employers, who hold a gross contract with the city administration, were later fined 700,000 rubles (around $7,600) for violating the public transit agreement.

Around the same time, taxi fares across Yekaterinburg spiked. Many drivers, particularly those from immigrant communities, took the day off to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. With fewer cabs available, passengers faced longer waits and higher costs. Local authorities also took precautions on the holiday. Traffic police increased patrols near key Islamic sites, including the Abu Hanifa Mosque and the Ramazan Mosque. The extra presence aimed to manage crowds and ensure smooth traffic flow during celebrations.

The day's events highlighted the impact of religious holidays on urban transport. Bus operators now face financial penalties for the service interruptions. Taxi services, meanwhile, saw temporary price hikes due to reduced driver availability.