The summer season in Kyiv will bring changes to the rules for using public transport. From July 1 to August 31, travel in public transport for schoolchildren will become paid. Instead of the usual benefit that is in effect during the school year, students will be able to use a 75% discount when purchasing travel passes.
New rules for students and cadets
The Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) reminded that free travel for school students is a privilege that applies exclusively during the school term. During summer holidays, this benefit is traditionally suspended. However, city authorities have provided for the possibility of purchasing discounted travel passes for day-school students with a 75% discount.
It is important to note a nuance for those who prefer single trips: when paying via a student ticket, the 75% discount does not apply. Similar rules apply to cadets of higher military educational institutions in Kyiv. From July 1 to August 31, they will also pay for travel on general terms, as the right to free travel for them is valid only during the academic year.
Discussion on fare increases
Alongside the change in rules for preferential categories of citizens, a possible general increase in the cost of travel is being discussed in Kyiv. The KCSA is considering a trade union proposal for a phased price increase. According to this scenario, the cost of a single trip could rise from the current 8 hryvnias to 20 hryvnias, and in six months — to 30 hryvnias. A final decision on this issue has not yet been made.
Previously, the city administration presented a project providing for a sharper price jump: a single ticket up to 30 hryvnias, a monthly pass — up to 1088 hryvnias, and an unlimited pass — up to 4875 hryvnias. If the document is approved without changes, new tariffs could come into force as early as July 15.
The city administration explains the need to review prices with the financial component: the city compensates for the difference between the actual expenses of transport enterprises and revenues from transportation. Currently, authorities are assessing how a phased increase will affect the capital's budget, as well as continuing to work out proposals received during the public discussion of the project.
Position of private carriers
At the same time, private carriers operating on Kyiv routes have stated that a possible increase in fares in municipal transport will not automatically signal an increase in fares in their marshrutkas and suburban buses.
