From June 27, the cost of travel in minibus taxis will change in Odesa. The fare will be 25 hryvnias instead of the current rates. The city authorities and transport companies explain the decision by the sharp increase in fuel, maintenance, and spare parts costs. Some residents perceived the news negatively, although some acknowledge the economic reasons for such a step. This is reported by Suspilne Odesa.
The cost of travel in Odesa will increase to 25 hryvnias
The new rate increase will take effect from June 27. The decision was made due to the increased costs for transport companies for fuel, lubricants, and maintaining buses in working order.
For many passengers, the increase has been an unpleasant surprise. It is especially acute for low-income individuals and internally displaced persons.
A displaced person from Kherson, Rimma, considers the new tariff too high for most residents of the city.
«At least 20 hryvnias, but it is already too much to increase. You can buy bread for that price,» the woman noted.
Why transport companies insist on raising rates
Representatives of transport companies claim that it is becoming increasingly difficult to operate under the old rates. According to a dispatcher of one of the routes, Anastasia, the costs for fuel and bus maintenance have significantly increased.
Drivers also emphasize the rising costs of spare parts and increased operational expenses. Moreover, the profitability of routes is affected by a significant number of subsidized passengers.
Driver Oleksiy stated that fuel prices have noticeably increased over the past few years.
«Fuel prices have practically doubled. We just cannot cope,» he explained.
Odesans assess the new tariffs differently
Some city residents believe that the increase is unavoidable due to the overall rise in prices in the economy. Odesan Kostyantyn links the new tariffs to the rising prices of almost all goods and services.
Other residents emphasize that along with the fare increase, the city should actively develop electric transport. In their opinion, trams and trolleybuses could provide a more affordable alternative to minibuses.
At the same time, even those passengers who critically assess the condition of some minibus taxis acknowledge that transport companies are currently operating under conditions of constant rising costs.
We remind you that in Odesa, 13 beaches have been officially opened after safety inspections.