In Kyiv, for each trip on public transport, you have to pay separately, but in Ternopil, a scheme has been in place for several years that allows free transfers to another trolleybus or minibus within 30 minutes. Kyiv resident Oksana accidentally learned about this opportunity when she first used public transport in Ternopil and was genuinely surprised. The portal 0352.ua writes about it.
How the system works in Ternopil
The passenger pays for the ride with an electronic ticket or «Ternopil resident card», gets off, and if they board another transport within half an hour, no additional payment is deducted. The Kyiv resident shared her experience on social media:
«I paid with the “Ternopil resident card” in the trolleybus, got off, and 20 minutes later I boarded a minibus, and the payment didn't get deducted. At first, I thought it was a glitch, but it turns out that this is a feature. Kyiv definitely lacks this».
The city council notes that this model makes trips more accessible and encourages cashless payments. Representatives of KP «Ternopilelektrotrans» emphasize:
«We strive for people not to overpay for short trips. The 30-minute free transfer rule is fair».
Advantages of the system
According to official data, over 70 thousand passengers a month take advantage of the free transfer opportunity. In Ternopil, they believe that this:
-
saves money for passengers
-
encourages cashless payments
-
provides convenience during trips between districts.
Ternopil was one of the first in Ukraine to implement such a model. The local system often receives praise for its modern approach and thoughtfulness.
This model makes transport more accessible and transparent, and residents of megacities are already dreaming of its implementation in the capital.