Thirteen New Buses and Trolleybuses Hit the Streets of Kyiv

Kyiv Updates Its Public Transport Fleet

According to Главком: Eight trolleybuses and five buses have been deployed on public routes across the Ukrainian capital. The 12-meter-long trolleybuses were purchased by the municipal operator Kyivpastrans from the company Politekhnoservis LLC. In total, the city is set to receive 16 new trolleybuses, with the remaining units expected by the end of July.

Alongside the trolleybuses, five modern Turkish-made buses have entered service as the final batch of a larger 85-vehicle order. This acquisition was financed through a credit agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) under the Urban Public Transport of Ukraine project. The EIB loan amounted to 18.5 million euros.

Features of the New Vehicles

Every new vehicle is equipped with ramps to accommodate people with disabilities and those with reduced mobility. Inside, both the buses and trolleybuses include:

• digital information displays
• heating and air conditioning systems
• surveillance cameras
• automated stop announcements
• energy-efficient LED lighting
• tinted windows

This marks the first update to Kyiv’s trolleybus fleet using public funds since the start of the full-scale invasion. The city had not received a new trolleybus since January 2021.

'For reasons unknown, the city authorities avoid purchasing vehicles with long-range autonomous capability, opting instead for trolleybuses with only 1 km of off-wire travel.' Oleh Vasyliev

The rollout of new public transport in Kyiv reflects the municipal government's efforts to improve conditions for residents, especially those with limited mobility. The integration of modern technology and equipment aims to enhance travel comfort. However, criticism regarding the limited off-wire range of the trolleybuses highlights the need for more strategic planning in the city's transport development.

In addition to the recent deployment of new vehicles, the city has also introduced new low-floor trolleybuses and buses, enhancing accessibility for all residents. This ongoing modernization effort not only aims to improve comfort for passengers but also addresses the growing demand for efficient public transport solutions in Kyiv.