In Kropyvnytskyi, the number of municipal buses and trolleybuses on the routes has been reduced since September 10, and schedules have been changed. KP 'Electrotrans' lacks about 150 employees, including 66 drivers and 44 conductors. The problem has already affected fare payments: due to the shortage of drivers and conductors, part of the transport operated without conductors. This is reported by Suspilne.
How many buses and trolleybuses remain on Kropyvnytskyi routes
'Electrotrans' has 42 trolleybuses and 56 buses in its fleet. Before the reduction, 32 units of each type of transport operated on weekdays. Now the city releases 28 trolleybuses and 26 buses.
'This is a difficult decision for us; we have been operating with a lack of proper drivers for trolleybuses and buses. However, this has led to the situation where we had to reduce transportation,' said Viktor Zhytnyk, head of the city transport and communication department.
The company is short of 28 trolleybus drivers, 38 bus drivers, 44 conductors, and also locksmiths. The total staff shortage reaches about 150 people.
Due to the personnel shortage, drivers have been working significantly beyond normal. According to the norm of 175 hours per month, some employees have been working 300 hours or more. According to Zhytnyk, this has led to accidents and faster wear and tear of the transport.
One of the reasons for the staff shortage is the mobilization. The company can reserve 50% of conscripted workers. In addition, drivers are moving to private companies where salaries can be two to three times higher.
The staffing problems of 'Electrotrans' were also taken into account during the review of transportation costs. Since August 15, the fares in Kropyvnytskyi have changed: an electronic trip on the trolleybus costs 12 UAH, on the bus - 18 UAH.
How the transport schedules have changed since September 10
'Electrotrans' services 21 routes. None of them have been officially canceled, but the number of vehicles on specific routes may vary depending on the day, availability of drivers, and passenger flow.
Residents are already complaining about long waits. In particular, passengers report problems with buses No. 103, No. 123, and No. 126. Due to the absence of the required route, people have to use minibuses and make two or three transfers.
'We see how painfully this is perceived by the residents, the number of complaints about the absence of transport on certain routes or in relation to the schedule has increased. But we cannot work any differently,' said Zhytnyk.
The company must update the schedules after decisions by the transport department. Passengers are advised to check the actual movement information on the resources of 'Electrotrans', the city council, and EasyWay.
Problems with the issuance of transport have occurred in the city before. Recall that at the beginning of 2026, Inkorr reported on the reduction of the number of flights, when buses and trolleybuses switched to a weekend schedule.