Passengers who daily use the Kyiv City Express suburban trains have faced a significant change in tariff policy since July 22. The cost of travel on these trains has doubled. The decision to raise prices was made by UZ (Ukrzaliznytsia) to align ticket prices with current fares for public transport in Kyiv.
Economic reasons for the price increase
The state railway company explained that keeping trains in working order, repairing them, and paying for electricity is becoming increasingly expensive. Revenue from ticket sales at old tariffs no longer covers operating costs. Additionally, since 2021, the Kyiv city authorities have not compensated the carrier for preferential transport. According to the company, since the beginning of 2024 (the text mentions 2026, but the context implies the current period), the city's debt has exceeded 10 million hryvnias.
What is changing for passengers
Despite the increase in single-trip costs, UZ emphasized that all existing social guarantees are preserved. Veterans and pensioners can still obtain free travel documents at ticket offices. Students will also not lose their privileges and will be able to purchase discounted tickets through the carrier's official mobile application.
For those who use Kyiv City Express as their primary mode of transport, the company announced the launch of new season passes. They are designed to help regular passengers save on daily trips under the new tariffs.
Context of price increases in Kyiv
The increase in fares for suburban trains is taking place against the backdrop of a general rise in transport prices in the capital. Previously, on July 15, the fare for public transport in Kyiv was raised to 30 hryvnias. The new prices affected the metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the funicular, which became one of the factors for reviewing the cost of tickets for Kyiv City Express.
