Money, drivers, and bridges: why Zheleznyak criticized the idea of free transportation in Kyiv

People's Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak criticized the idea of free transportation in Kyiv's public transport. According to him, the source of funding for the program has not been determined, and the city lacks at least 50 drivers for 25 operational reserve buses. The deputy discussed this on his YouTube channel.

How much free transportation in Kyiv could cost

On November 8, President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed the Prime Minister to prepare a program for free transportation in the capital's public transport and ensure a reserve of buses. This is in case of disruptions in subway operations or restrictions on bridges over the Dnipro. The instruction did not specify a start date, the duration of the program, or the source of funding.

Zheleznyak cited an estimate from the public initiative "Kyiv Passengers." Free rides on municipal buses, trolleybuses, and trams could require about 180 million UAH in additional funding per month. If the program lasts all 12 months, this amounts to about 2.16 billion UAH. The metro and private minibuses are not included in this calculation.

Separately, the deputy reminded of the statement by the minister in the Rada on October 30. According to Zheleznyak, the additional need for funds to protect energy and bridges was estimated at approximately 60 billion UAH. The deputy believes that these works should be a priority.

Why Kyiv lacks drivers for reserve buses

According to Vitaliy Klitschko's assessment, "Kyivpastrans" can additionally deploy 25 buses. For this, at least 50 category D drivers are needed. According to the mayor, the enterprise has exhausted its reservation limit and cannot book new drivers.

Klitschko also stated that over the past 11 years, the government has owed Kyiv more than 8 billion UAH in subsidies for transporting beneficiaries. To replace the metro in terms of the number of passengers transported, according to the mayor's estimate, up to 1,020 buses would be needed.

Zheleznyak outlined three priorities for the capital:

• Attract drivers and determine how to book them.
• Clear public transport lanes of cars so that buses can adhere to their schedules.
• Allocate funds for the protection of bridges and energy infrastructure.

The issue of reserve buses became urgent after the Russian attack on November 7. Due to damage to the Northern Bridge, Kyiv implemented reserve traffic schemes between the banks of the Dnipro starting November 9.