Kyiv Transport Lost Up to 40% of Passenger Traffic Over the Year: What About Revenue

In October, the passenger traffic of the Kyiv metro decreased by 36% compared to last year, while ground public transport dropped by 40%. At the same time, after the fare increase, the revenue of both carriers more than doubled, despite disruptions in service and a decrease in the number of trips. This is reported by Khmara.

Kyiv Transport Passenger Traffic: Results of October 2026

The data from the Kyiv metro and Kyivpastrans was obtained by lawyer Vitaliy Dudin upon request and provided to the publication. They show a continued decrease in transportation in both underground and ground transport.

Kyivpastrans transported 15.3 million passengers in October. This is 40% less than in October 2025, and almost 12% lower than the September figure.

The metro recorded 14.3 million trips compared to 22.4 million a year earlier. Therefore, in a month, the metro made 8.1 million fewer trips. At the same time, the trip statistics do not indicate how many individual people stopped using the transport: some passengers might have simply been traveling less frequently.

The decline began in July and coincided with a change in the base fare from 8 to 30 UAH. This represents an increase of 3.75 times. However, in the summer and early September, passengers could still use trips purchased at the old price.

Changes in transportation behavior were also indicated by a decrease in the sale of travel cards. At the same time, it is impossible to determine how much of the October decline was caused by the fare increase solely based on the overall figures.

Carrier Revenue: Why Income Increased Despite Fewer Trips

In October, the revenue from passenger transport for Kyivpastrans amounted to 180 million UAH, compared to 77 million UAH last year. The increase was 103 million UAH, or about 134%.

The metro earned 267.2 million UAH from ticket sales, which is 2.2 times more than in October last year. For comparison, in August, revenue was 237.8 million UAH, and in September, it was 242.8 million UAH.

Thus, the higher cost of paid trips was accompanied by an increase in revenue even with a lower passenger traffic. However, an increase in revenue does not mean an increase in profit: the presented data does not include the operators' expenses on electricity, fuel, salaries, and repairs.

The accessibility of transport was simultaneously influenced by alarm signals and infrastructure damage. According to Khmara's calculations, in the last few days of September, the above-ground section of the red metro line was out of service for an average of two-thirds of the working time.

In October, train stops were added due to a lack of voltage and disruptions in ground electric transport. The Chernihivska station was out of service for four days after damage.

Thus, passenger traffic decreased simultaneously against the backdrop of more expensive tickets and less reliable connections. Further replacement of electric transport with buses will take place in November, so its consequences will be reflected in the next monthly figures.