Electronic tickets for beneficiaries: how the Rada changed the travel rules

The Verkhovna Rada approved bill No. 5651-2 on November 10, which modifies the accounting and financing procedure for subsidized trips. The reform includes a unified accounting system, while the registration of subsidized trips is already in place in the Kyiv municipal ground transportation system. This was reported by the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights Protection.

Subsidized travel in public transport: how trips will be accounted for

The right to subsidized travel will be implemented using a ticket, especially an electronic one, where a local automated system is in place. The document also provides for a targeted cash form of the subsidy: a payment tool linked to a bank account with a special usage regime can be used to purchase a ticket.

Local systems will log trips, and data will be consolidated in a unified system. According to the Ministry of Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport, this will enable payment to carriers for the trips actually made. The existing categories of beneficiaries will be retained.

Accounting is also important for budgeting calculations. In a discussion about free travel in Kyiv, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko stated that over 11 years, the state owes the city more than UAH 8 billion in subsidies for the transportation of beneficiaries.

Financing of subsidized transportation: who will pay starting from July 1, 2028

The travel of categories defined by the law on the status of war veterans will be financed from the state budget. The procedure and amounts of financing will be established by the Cabinet of Ministers. Local authorities will be responsible for the travel of other subsidized categories.

The document approved by the parliament comes into effect on July 1, 2028. By this date, the central accounting system must be finalized, transportation infrastructure prepared, and the procedure for using the subsidy explained to passengers.

The nationwide reform concerns passengers eligible for subsidies. Additionally, the government has been tasked with preparing a free travel program in Kyiv's ground transport in case of disruptions in metro operation or restrictions on bridge traffic.