Kyiv Residents Rally 6,000 Signatures Against Fare Hike to 30 UAH

Petition No. 14225 Opposes New Public Transport Tariffs in Kyiv

According to Главком: Just hours after its release, Petition No. 14225 on the Kyiv City Council website-authored by Oleksii Ksenich-garnered 6,000 signatures. The petition demands a halt to the planned increase in public transport fares set for July 15, 2026. Under the proposed pricing model, a single ride would cost 30 UAH, while trips using a transport card would range from 25 to 30 UAH depending on the number of journeys. Additionally, a 90-minute transfer ticket would be introduced at 60 UAH, and an unlimited monthly pass would cost 4,875 UAH. Notably, Kyiv’s public transport fares have remained unchanged since 2018.

Petition Demands and Social Considerations

The petition’s key demands include: suspending any fare increases until the end of martial law; rejecting the 30 UAH single-ride tariff; opposing the 60 UAH transfer ticket; and blocking the 4,875 UAH monthly pass. Furthermore, it calls for the full economic rationale behind the proposed tariffs to be released, an independent audit of municipal transport operators such as Kyivpastrans and Kyiv Metro, and the development of an alternative funding model for public transit.

A critical focus is ensuring social protections for vulnerable groups, including those earning minimum wage, students, pensioners, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities. Other cities offer instructive examples: in Kharkiv, for instance, municipal transport has remained free throughout the war. Kyiv, which commands one of the largest local budgets in the country, has the financial reserves to sustain its public transport system without imposing drastic fare hikes.

In essence, Petition No. 14225 reflects growing concern among Kyiv residents over rising transport costs during a challenging period for Ukraine, while offering constructive proposals to keep transit affordable. The outcome of this fare dispute could have significant social repercussions, as higher prices risk limiting access to public transport for the most vulnerable. The public’s swift response underscores that tariff policy remains a pressing issue requiring transparent debate and clear action from city authorities.

As the debate over public transport fares intensifies, it's essential to consider the broader implications of these changes. Recent announcements indicate that Kyiv is set to revise its transport pricing starting in July 2026, which could further impact the affordability and accessibility of public transit for residents. Understanding these adjustments may provide insight into the ongoing discussions surrounding fare increases and their potential effects on the community.