DUSHANBE, March 29, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Dushanbe municipal authorities have decided to gradually replace China-made economy family cars, popularly known as “tangem” and used as fixed-route taxis in Tajikistan, by more comfortable minivans, Asia-Plus has learned at the Dushanbe traffic police department.

A source at the Dushanbe traffic police department says that to-date, many “tangem” owners have been disqualified from carrying passengers.  According to him, some 6,000 China-made economy family cars, used as fixed-route taxis, are currently running in Dushanbe.

Deputy Dushanbe Mayor, Abduhomid Sheraliyev, told Asia-Plus Monday afternoon that these measures are being taken to ensure safety of passengers.  He added that “tangems” would be replaced by minivans Hyundai.  “1,000 Hyundai minivans are enough for Dushanbe,” the deputy mayor said.

He added that the tangem owners having license to drive public transport might work for Dushanbe’s utility enterprises.  “We are ready to accept for employment some 600-700 tangem owners,” Sheraliyev said.

In the meantime, the tangem owners are unhappy with this decision of the Dushanbe authorities.  One of them, who introduced himself as Daler, says he bought his “tangem” on credit and it is the only means to feed his family.  “What should I do now?  I will have to travel to Russia seeking better employment opportunities,” he said.