In Ukraine, changes are planned for the use of beneficial travel in public transport, introducing an automated system for confirming passengers' rights. The idea is to fully transition to electronic trip accounting without the involvement of the driver. This is reported by ZNAJ.ua.
Automated Beneficial Travel: How the System Will Work
The reform is based on Bill No. 5651-2 and stipulates that beneficiaries will no longer need to present certificates. Instead, they will be able to use a bank card by touching it to the validator.
The system will automatically:
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verify the right to benefits;
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record the fact of the trip;
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credit compensation to the carrier.
Funds will come directly from the state or local budget. This approach aims to eliminate conflicts between passengers and drivers, which often arose due to document checks.
There is also a separate allocation of funding:
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the state will compensate travel for war veterans;
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local authorities will cover expenses for pensioners and other categories.
Electronic Accounting of Benefits: What Will Change for Passengers
The transition to bank cards as carriers of benefits is expected to simplify the use of transport. Most pensioners already receive payments on cards, so no additional documents will be needed.
In case of loss or damage to the card, it can be quickly restored through the bank, and the benefit status can be confirmed at the nearest CNAP.
The system will also allow:
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to obtain accurate ride statistics;
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to plan budget expenditures more effectively;
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to make the transportation market more transparent.
The full implementation of the reform is expected by July 1, 2028. During this time, communities must equip transport with validators and integrate databases. Meanwhile, small towns may face difficulties with funding, and elderly people will need time to adapt to the innovations.
The planned changes are aimed at bringing the system of free travel to a modern level, where all processes will occur automatically and without disputes.
It should be noted that according to the new bill, pension and veteran certificates will no longer grant the right to travel for free. All passengers will be required to pay for travel under general conditions.