Social buses in Odesa want to be made paid

Social buses, which recently started operating in Odesa on humanitarian routes, may be transferred to a paid mode. For this, the government must approve regulations that will allow the use of such vehicles on a commercial basis. This was stated by Odesa City Council member Petro Obukhov, writes 'All Online'.

Social buses may become paid for financial reasons

City council member Petro Obukhov explained that humanitarian buses were planned to be launched on route No. 141 through Mykolaivska Road to the railway station as a replacement for minibuses. However, this can only be done after parliamentary decisions on the procedure for transferring transport.

The operation of one bus costs 5–6 million UAH per year. Even with paid travel, the city will have to cover an additional 2–3 million UAH for each vehicle. Odesa has already allocated 10 million UAH to support these buses.

Obukhov emphasized that the expenses are justified, as the development of public transport requires significant investments. According to him, this sector is social: it cannot be profitable, and the city has to subsidize it every year.

Why it is difficult for the city to maintain humanitarian buses

This year, Odesa allocated 700 million UAH to KP OMT, in addition to the company's revenues from tickets. The MP explains that maintaining the buses in a fully social status is possible only if the city budget is increased. Given the current financial capabilities, the city cannot handle the maintenance of such a fleet.

Obukhov emphasized that the decision on fares will affect the city's ability to ensure the stable operation of new routes and to maintain humanitarian buses in proper condition.

Previously, we reported that two new free bus routes were launched in Odesa .