A major reform of the preferential transport system is being prepared in Ukraine. The Ministry of Communities and Territories Development has drafted bill No. 5651-2, which radically changes the rules for pensioners and other categories of beneficiaries. Instead of familiar paper certificates and pension cards presented to the driver, a new digital compensation model is being introduced.
From Paper to Bank Account
The essence of the proposal is simple but revolutionary: beneficiaries will no longer use transport for free "on the spot." Now, every passenger, regardless of status, will have to pay for the trip through a validator on general terms. However, the state is not abandoning support — money for the trip will be returned to special bank cards. Thus, the preferential certificate ceases to be a pass, turning into a tool for receiving financial compensation.
Why is this needed?
The authors of the initiative see this solution as a way out of several problems. First, there will be no more grounds for conflicts between drivers and passengers, which often arose due to document checks or their absence. Second, the system will become more transparent: every payment is recorded, and it will be impossible to hide the real volumes of benefit usage.
Moreover, digitalization will allow authorities to receive accurate data on passenger traffic. Knowing exactly how many beneficiaries use specific routes, cities will be able to plan schedules more effectively and allocate the transport budget.
Risks of the New System
However, there is also a downside to the medal. The main drawback of the reform is that the volume of benefits now directly depends on the financial state of local communities. If the city budget does not allow compensating for all trips, a pensioner may be left without a refund. This creates inequality: in wealthy regions, benefits will work fully, while in poor ones, they may be limited.
It is important to note that free travel on suburban electric trains remains — this category is not yet affected by the new rules. But for urban transport, changes are already on the doorstep, and they will require citizens to adapt to a new reality.
