Kyiv to Increase Public Transport Fare Rates

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has officially announced that the city will raise fare rates for public transport. This announcement was made on his Telegram channel on Tuesday, April 7, where he pointed out that the cost of travel in Kyiv is still the lowest in Ukraine.

Klitschko highlighted that the fare rates have not been revised since 2018, which has prompted the need for a reassessment of their value. He explained that the rising costs of fuel, electricity, materials, and logistics are forcing the city authorities to adjust the fare closer to an economically justified level.

The mayor has instructed the Departments of Economics and Transport to prepare the necessary calculations for revising the fare rates for public transport in Kyiv, based on economic justifications. This decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring the financial stability of the city.

Additionally, Vitali Klitschko noted that the Kyiv City Council will need to redistribute certain budget items to implement measures for the city's energy sustainability. He emphasized that public transport is subsidized, and according to his information, subsidies for this year amount to 12 billion UAH.

Klitschko also stressed that the state has not compensated the city for the free travel of privileged passengers for many years, which amounts to hundreds of millions of UAH annually, further straining Kyiv's budget. This issue raises concerns as inadequate funding could lead to serious challenges for public transport.

The mayor promised that a reduction in transport subsidies would allow some funds to be redirected towards preparations for the upcoming heating season. This is a crucial step, especially considering that on March 10, the Kyiv City Council approved a plan for energy sustainability for the next heating season.

During that announcement, Vitali Klitschko emphasized that the plan is realistic and was developed taking into account the challenges faced last winter. This demonstrates the city authorities' serious approach to addressing issues related to energy security and the stability of the capital's infrastructure.

Thus, the increase in fare rates for public transport in Kyiv is part of a comprehensive approach to managing the city's finances, aimed at ensuring stability and the development of infrastructure amid rising costs.