Kyiv Public Transport Will Become Free: What Zelensky Announced

President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed the Prime Minister to present a program for free public transport in Kyiv. This is intended to ensure transportation during subway outages and bridge movement restrictions, as well as to provide a sufficient reserve of buses. This was reported by Volodymyr Zelensky.

Free Transport in Kyiv: What the President Instructed on November 8

The transport connections of the capital were discussed during a video conference. The Prime Minister, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and the Minister of Internal Affairs presented options for alternative transportation schemes. Currently, they are working on the required number of vehicles and the reorganization of traffic in certain parts of Kyiv.

«I instructed the Prime Minister to present a program for free public transport in the city and a sufficient reserve of buses for Kyiv», — Zelensky stated.

According to the president, the government must prepare specific measures for the uninterrupted and accessible operation of surface transport. This pertains to situations where transportation is complicated due to disruptions in the subway or problems with bridges across the Dnipro.

The need for reserve buses is particularly important amid the suspension of surface electric transport. Bus routes can provide alternative connections, but this requires transportation, drivers, and coordinated traffic schemes.

Reserve Buses for the Capital: What Conditions Still Need to Be Defined

The start date for free rides has not yet been announced. The president's statement relates to the preparation of a program. It does not imply that fare payment has already been canceled.

The announcement also does not specify which routes will be covered by the program, how long it will last, and how transport will be financed. The president did not mention specific conditions for private shuttle buses. The instruction pertains to city surface transport, so there is no basis for extending it to the subway.

For passengers, key factors will not only include payment conditions but also the number of buses, intervals, and the ability to transfer between routes. These parameters will become clear after the program is presented and specific decisions are announced.

At the same time, Zelensky announced the preparation of new packages of international energy assistance and financial tools to support Ukrainians during winter. Appropriate tasks were assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic team of the President's Office.

Until new rules are announced, passengers should rely on existing information from carriers and consider the consequences of damage to transport infrastructure. Information about the launch of free rides, the list of routes, and the procedure for use will be announced separately.