The cost of public transport in Poltava will increase in 2026: what are the reasons

In Poltava, next year, the fare for public transport may be revised. The city authorities together with transport operators are discussing new terms, including differentiated payments depending on the payment method. This is reported by Suspilne Poltava.

Why prices may rise

According to the operator Yurii Shevchuk, the current fare of 10 hryvnias does not cover the costs of transport operation. Operators have already insisted on the execution of the city council's decision and raising the price to 15 hryvnias, however, the authorities asked to wait and promised to agree on new rules by the end of the year.

The city is also considering the introduction of a differentiated fare. Among the options is different costs for the trip when paying in cash or with a transport card. This, in the opinion of entrepreneurs, will allow for increased profitability and stabilize the operation of routes.

What bothers operators

• insufficient current tariff, which does not cover the costs of entrepreneurs;

• lack of funds for bus repairs and maintenance;

• low wages for drivers, which complicates personnel recruitment;

• inability to increase the number of buses on routes, especially during power outages.

Operators emphasize that operating at a loss does not allow for the development of the transport system. The final decision on tariffs must be made by the city authorities by the end of the year.

Previously, we reported that in Poltava, as of November 17, public transport will operate at existing tariffs, as the city and operators managed to agree not to raise the fare.