Free Humanitarian Bus Routes to Launch in Odesa

In Odesa plans are underway to launch free social routes for residents in need of support. These are humanitarian buses that have been idle for over a year after being received from sister cities. Odesa's Military Administration chief, Serhiy Lysak, announced this on social networks, emphasizing that he has instructed to develop a transportation system. The publication “Pivden” has reported on this.

Buses for People, Not for Parking

«This transport is meant to serve people, not to be idle in parking lots,» — emphasized Lysak. According to him, part of the humanitarian buses is planned to be used for transportation along routes to hospitals, train stations, social institutions, and other important city facilities.

Who Can Travel for Free

The list of passenger categories entitled to free travel will be determined by the executive committee of the Odesa City Council. The decision will be reviewed shortly. After its adoption, the routes, schedules, and rules for using social transport will be announced.

Main details currently known:

• social buses will operate for free;
• priority will be given to low-income individuals, the elderly, and persons with disabilities;
• transport will run to social infrastructure facilities;
• the schedule will be coordinated after the executive committee's decision.

Changes in Legislation

Last year, Odesa's mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov explained that the city was unable to use humanitarian buses due to legislative restrictions: municipal enterprises were prohibited from making a profit from the use of such transport. At the same time, costs for fuel, maintenance, and driver salaries were not taken into account.

In July 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law that allowed communities to fully utilize humanitarian transport for passenger transportation. This enabled Odesa to begin preparations for launching free routes.