On May 18, the Kyiv City State Administration unveiled a proposal to significantly increase public transport fares in the capital. The suggested fare for a single trip would rise to 30 hryvnias, which could position Kyiv among the most expensive cities for public transport in Europe.
According to calculations by civic organizations, if the new rates are implemented, the cost of a monthly pass could exceed that of cities like Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Warsaw. The potential increase has sparked outrage among residents, leading to a petition that quickly gathered enough signatures to demand a halt to the fare hikes until the end of martial law, or at least to prevent a sudden price surge.
Proposed Fare Changes
The fare for a single journey on the metro, trams, trolleybuses, and funiculars would increase from 8 to 30 hryvnias. The structure for discounts and monthly passes would remain unchanged, as explained by Serhiy Pidhainyi, the director of the transport department.
The new pricing model would set the cost of a trip based on the number of journeys purchased on a transport card:
- 1 to 9 trips: 30 hryvnias each;
- 10 to 19 trips: 28.90 hryvnias;
- 20 to 29 trips: 27.80 hryvnias;
- 30 to 39 trips: 26.60 hryvnias;
- 40 to 49 trips: 25.50 hryvnias;
- 50 trips: 25 hryvnias.
Monthly pass prices would also see an increase. For instance, a pass for 46 trips would cost 1,088 hryvnias, while a pass for 124 trips would be priced at 2,888 hryvnias. An unlimited monthly pass would be set at 4,875 hryvnias.
Pidhainyi noted that the fare review was necessary as rates had not been adjusted since 2018, and rising costs of fuel and electricity, along with increasing average salaries, had prompted the need for change. He emphasized the importance of addressing other pressing needs, such as preparing Kyiv for winter.
Discounts for students and schoolchildren would still be available, with students paying half the monthly fare and schoolchildren riding free during the school year, and at a 75% discount in summer.
A new transfer ticket priced at 60 hryvnias is also planned, allowing unlimited travel on metro and surface transport for 90 minutes.
Criticism of the Proposed Changes
<pExperts have voiced their concerns regarding the fare increase. Transport expert Dmytro Bespalov questioned the rationale behind the 30 hryvnia fare, arguing that it undermines the principle of accessibility in public transport. He stated, "This fare is a severe blow to that principle."
Critics have particularly targeted the structure of the monthly passes. Urbanist Dmytro Makohon pointed out that many European cities utilize a subscription model, where higher single ticket prices encourage users to purchase cheaper monthly passes. He noted that in Oslo, for example, the cost of a single ticket is 220 hryvnias, while a monthly pass is only 3,144 hryvnias, making it more economical than Kyiv’s proposed rates.
According to the civic organization “Passengers of Kyiv,” the new fare structure would make Kyiv’s public transport among the most expensive in Europe, surpassed only by London, Amsterdam, and Stockholm.
Other Ukrainian cities, such as Lviv, have also increased their single trip fares to 30 hryvnias, but their monthly passes are significantly cheaper at 1,150 hryvnias, which includes all forms of transport.
Potential Financial Implications
The Kyiv City State Administration reports that the actual cost of a metro ride is currently 64.6 hryvnias, while surface transport costs 44.14 hryvnias. Annual subsidies for public transport in Kyiv amount to approximately 12 billion hryvnias.
However, experts predict that the fare hike may not ease the financial burden on the city budget, as it could lead to a decline in ridership as passengers switch to alternative transport options. Griechko cited previous fare increases in 2018, noting that since then, Kyiv has not built any new metro stations and the number of trolleybuses has decreased significantly.
“These funds could be generated through a shift towards monthly passes, allowing for upfront payments to public transport companies,” Griechko explained.
Currently, the Kyiv City State Administration is accepting public feedback on the proposed fare changes until June 1. Discussions with trade unions, the public, and other activists are scheduled to take place, with final decisions expected by June 18.
Kyiv is proposing a substantial fare increase for public transport, potentially making it one of the most expensive systems in Europe. The changes have sparked public outcry, leading to petitions against the hikes, while experts criticize the fare structure and its implications for accessibility.