Free Travel for Military Personnel in September: Who is Eligible and What Documents are Required

Military personnel, veterans, and several other categories of Ukrainians are entitled to travel for free on public transport upon presentation of a document confirming the benefit. This right applies to certain types of urban and suburban transport. According to Politeka,

The concessionary travel is provided, in particular, in trolleybuses, trams, commuter trains, and buses. However, the rules for route taxis may depend on local authorities' decisions.

Who can Travel for Free

The following categories have the right to the concessionary travel:

• participants of combat actions;
• conscription military personnel;
• veterans of military service, police, law enforcement agencies, and the Security Service of Ukraine;
• persons with disabilities as a result of war and their attendants;
• parents of deceased or missing military personnel;
• retirees;
• children from large families, orphans, and those deprived of parental care;
• affected participants of the Revolution of Dignity;
• certain categories affected by the Chernobyl disaster;
• persons with disabilities of groups I and II and children with disabilities;
• rehabilitated persons with disabilities due to political repression.

For military personnel and veterans, the right to the discount is confirmed by the appropriate certificate or other required documents. Retirees need a pension certificate, and individuals with disabilities must provide a document confirming their status.

What to Do if the Driver Demands Payment

Issues with concessionary travel most often occur in minibuses. The Free Legal Aid System emphasizes that the carrier cannot unjustly refuse a passenger who has a legal right to a benefit.

«Carriers on general public transport routes are prohibited from denying concessionary transportation, except in cases provided by law. Unjustified refusal can lead to liability», lawyers explained.

If you are refused, it is advisable to record the conversation, the vehicle number, and the carrier's name. If you had to pay for the trip, keep the ticket. After that, you can file a complaint and, if necessary, inform the police.

Compensation for the transportation of concessionary categories may be financed by local budgets. Therefore, the mere lack of willingness on the part of the carrier to transport a concessionary traveler without payment does not cancel the passenger's legal right.