Ukrzaliznytsia on losses of 10 billion: why train tickets should cost over 300 hryvnias

Increase in the cost of tickets for suburban trains

Ukrzaliznytsia reported the need to raise ticket prices for suburban trains as actual costs exceed 300 hryvnias. This leads to losses that will reach approximately 10 billion hryvnias by the end of the year. The current cost of tickets for suburban trains is about 15 hryvnias, which covers only 5% of the actual transportation costs for passengers.

Financial challenges of Ukrzaliznytsia

The head of Ukrzaliznytsia, Yosyp Bornak, noted that the cost of a trip for the company exceeds 300 hryvnias, depending on the region. It should be reminded that:

• 95% of electric trains are worn out;
• The average age of electric trains reaches 40 years;
• Only 11 out of about 200 trains have been repaired this year;
• The average cost of repairing one electric train is 100–120 million hryvnias.

Thus, Ukrzaliznytsia is facing serious financial challenges, and the issue of increasing ticket prices is becoming increasingly urgent.

The increase in the cost of tickets for suburban trains may have a significant impact on passenger flow and the availability of public transport for the population. In the conditions of worn rolling stock and insufficient funding, the issue of updating and repairing electric trains is also becoming critical. Passenger reaction to the increase in fares may influence the company's further decisions regarding the restructuring of routes and improving service.