Bolt, Uklon, Uber, and OPTI have agreed to limit price increases for trips in Kyiv during air alerts and transportation disruptions. The agreement was reached amid disruptions in metro service following a Russian attack. This was reported by Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky.
Taxi fares in Kyiv: how the 75% cap will work
A memorandum with digital platforms was signed by the relevant ministries. It stipulates that under certain circumstances, the cost of a trip may exceed the base fare by a maximum of 75%.
For comparison, the price of the same route under normal conditions, without alerts, traffic jams, and other complications, will be used. Koretsky provided the following examples:
- base fare 200 UAH: the maximum price will be 350 UAH;
- base fare 300 UAH: the maximum price will be 525 UAH.
Thus, it is about limiting the surcharge, not setting a uniform price for all trips. The maximum amount will equal the base fare multiplied by 1.75.
Passengers will retain the option to adjust the proposed price independently; however, limits will also be set for this. The detailed mechanism of such regulation was not specified in the Prime Minister's message.
The agreement concerns four platforms that signed the memorandum. The government expects that other market participants will join this voluntary initiative.
Taxi price restrictions: when will the new conditions take effect
The cap applies to air alerts, stops in public transport, including the metro, and other force majeure conditions that disrupt communication in the capital. As an example, Koretsky referred to the aftermath of the attack on the South Bridge.
Following this strike, bus routes in Kyiv were changed, and additional train services were scheduled. The price restrictions for taxis aim to curb price spikes when passengers are forced to seek alternatives to their usual transport.
According to the Prime Minister's announcement, the restrictions will last at least two hours after the cancellation of air alerts of the red level or until the normal operation of public transport and the movement of bridges is restored. It is often the case that after the alerts are lifted, the demand for trips remains high.
The government stated it would monitor compliance with the agreements. The memorandum complements other transport measures in the capital, where due to communication disruptions, additional trains have been added repeatedly.