From congestion to clean air: transforming Armenia through smart mobility 

Illustration by Lilit Andriasyan

Armenia’s transition towards smart mobility represents a vital step in the country’s broader effort to meet the European Green Deal’s ambitious climate goals. With transportation contributing approximately 20% of the country’s carbon emissions, reforming this sector is crucial to reducing environmental pollution, enhancing public health, and improving overall quality of life for citizens. 

The urbanization of Yerevan, the centre of most of the country's industry and transport, has resulted in growing traffic congestion and air pollution. In response to these concerns, the government of Armenia has implemented key initiatives to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs), such as the implementation of VAT exemptions for electric vehicle imports. This measure has resulted in a surge in EV ownership across the country, but while electric car imports increased between 2020 and 2023, high vehicle costs and poor charging infrastructure have slowed uptake.  

Despite attempts to modernize the transportation sector, current infrastructure is insufficient to satisfy the increasing needs of an urbanized population. For example, the absence of designated bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly locations limits sustainable transportation alternatives in and out of the capital.  

Vazgen Harutyunyan, Armenia’s Green Agenda National Expert on Smart Mobility, says that the transition to smart mobility offers direct benefits to the daily lives of Armenian citizens. Cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion, and improved public health are just some of the potential outcomes. Harutyunyan stresses the need for a comprehensive mobility plan that incorporates all transport modes and prioritizes the development of infrastructure for cycling, walking, and public transport. 

Armenia’s reliance on road transport dominates the national transport landscape. The development of more sustainable transport options will require not only the expansion of public transport systems, but also significant investment in rail infrastructure and electric mobility solutions. Harutyunyan emphasizes the significance of implementing international best practices and forming collaborations with global organizations to fund and carry out these initiatives. 

Financial constraints remain a major hurdle for Armenia’s sustainable mobility goals. The country’s reliance on external funding poses challenges to the long-term sustainability of its green transport initiatives. However, public-private partnerships could play a pivotal role in bridging this financial gap. Armenia can speed the transition to smart mobility while minimizing the strain on public finances by attracting private investors to initiatives such as electric car charging infrastructure and public transportation fleet modernization. 

In addition to financial challenges, Armenia faces significant gaps in policy and regulation. Although imports of electric vehicles are encouraged by current legislation, they are insufficient to encourage the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly technologies in the transport sector. Relatedly, current policies focus on private transport without recognizing the potential for other modes of transport for sustainability. 

Harutyunyan suggests that new policies need to be introduced, particularly those that limit private car usage and encourage the use of public and non-motorized transport modes. Enhancing the effectiveness of Armenia's transport networks would also require the incorporation of digital technologies, such as intelligent transport systems. 

Digital technologies, Harutyunyan explains, “bring automation and predictable planning for the transport [sector], providing real-time data for calculation and improvement in transport networks.” For Armenia, adopting such technology will be critical to the long-term success of its smart transportation goals. Using real-time traffic data, for example, the country can optimize its public transport routes and schedules, making them more efficient and accessible to a broader range of consumers. 

Behavioural change is another key factor in Armenia’s green mobility transition. Encouraging citizens to move from private cars to greener alternatives (public transport, cycling and walking) will require targeted strategies and public awareness campaigns. 

Harutyunyan notes that the "avoid-shift-improve" approach is key to promoting smart mobility. This approach "means that some restrictions for private transport use must be approved, which will reduce private car usage. People will then shift to other transport modes, which will have improved sustainability through the use of electric vehicles.” He states that current gaps in carrying this approach forward include missing legislation, mobility options and charging infrastructure.   

Looking ahead, Harutyunyan is excited about the opportunities for advancing Armenia's smart mobility sector over the next years. He underlines that finance and international cooperation will be crucial in supporting the nation to create and carry out a thorough mobility plan. These collaborations will secure the expertise and financial resources necessary to build the infrastructure for electric vehicles, expand public transport networks, and promote sustainable urban planning. 

While Armenia faces significant challenges in its transition to smart mobility, the potential rewards are huge. With the right policies, partnerships, and investments, the country can significantly reduce its environmental impact, improve public health, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. The path to a sustainable, smart mobility future is clear, but it requires a coordinated effort from the government, private sector, and international community to ensure its success.