In Ivano-Frankivsk, new rules for free travel for beneficiaries are gradually being introduced. From now on, benefits are to be applied across all municipal bus transportation, whether managed by public or private carriers. This is reported by Firtka.
Beneficiary travel in Ivano-Frankivsk: what is changing
As explained by Deputy Mayor Mykhailo Smushak, there are 40 bus routes operating in the city. Some of them are serviced by a municipal enterprise, while the rest are managed by private carriers. In public transport, beneficiaries were transported without restrictions, whereas in private buses, free travel was previously allowed only for three people, which often led to conflicts.
That is why the city decided to ensure transportation for all categories of passengers with benefits on all buses by 2026. For this purpose, validators are being installed on the routes of private carriers, and organizational and technical measures are being implemented.
The first changes have already been implemented on route No. 28, which connects the "Cascade" microdistrict and Bus Station No. 3.
Rules for beneficiary travel: how the system currently works
On route No. 28, the identification system for beneficiary passengers is already functioning. All beneficiaries can travel for free if they have a "Halka" beneficiary card. At the same time, full cashless payment for other passengers on this route has not yet been launched - the validator is only used to confirm benefits.
The right to free travel in public transport in Ivano-Frankivsk is granted, in particular, to:
- combatants and war participants
- persons with disabilities as a result of the war
- family members of deceased and missing defenders
- participants of the Revolution of Dignity who suffered
- liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster
- military veterans
- persons with disabilities
- pensioners by age
- children from large families, orphans, and students
The city authorities emphasize that the implementation of new rules is ongoing to make public transport in Ivano-Frankivsk accessible and fair for all passengers.
It is worth noting that at the beginning of 2026, a new municipal route is planned to be opened in Ivano-Frankivsk, connecting the Positron microdistrict with European Square.