Cashless Payment Trial Begins on Kyiv Minibuses
A pilot program for cashless payments, complete with a fare discount, is now active on private minibuses operating Kyiv's route No. 181. The system is in a testing phase, with the first validators already installed on buses for this route. Route No. 181 connects the Central Railway Station with Taras Shevchenko Square, passing through the districts of Kurenivka and Priorka. This move aligns with broader European trends of modernizing urban transit systems.
The new payment terminals allow passengers to pay using a bank card or an NFC-enabled device. Passengers paying by card receive a discount of 7 UAH, which could serve as an attractive incentive for daily commuters on this busy corridor.
Fare Adjustments Across Other Transport Services
Alongside this cashless innovation, fare increases have been reported for other transport services. Notably, the fare for suburban minibuses on the Vyshhorod-Kyiv route has risen to 60 UAH. Furthermore, the fare for Kyiv's circular suburban train (elektrychka) increased by 5-7 UAH starting March 13. However, passengers can still purchase train tickets at the old price of 15 UAH through the 'Ukrzaliznytsia' and 'Kyiv Digital' apps, offering potential savings for those who plan their journeys in advance.
The introduction of cashless payment in minibuses represents a significant step in modernizing the capital's public transport, which could improve passenger service and reduce reliance on cash.
The travel discount may also encourage more people to adopt cashless transactions, potentially easing the operational burden of handling cash. Meanwhile, the concurrent fare hikes on other transport modes have raised concerns among passengers, which could influence their decisions on how to travel around the city.
As the city embraces digital payment solutions in public transport, recent fare increases on other transportation options have stirred discussions among commuters. For instance, passengers on Kyiv's circular suburban train now face higher ticket prices, prompting many to seek ways to maintain their travel budgets. To learn how to purchase tickets at the previous rates, check out this article on securing tickets for the circular train.