Akzent found out what Odessa residents think about the fare increase on minibuses

The owners of transportation companies that operate public transit routes in Odesa have reached an agreement with the Department of Transportation, Communications, and Traffic Management to raise fares by five hryvnias—that is, to 25 hryvnias—effective June 27.

Akcent found out what Odessa residents and experts think about this.

According to Ihor Barbul, head of the Odesa City Council’s Transportation Department, the transit companies insist that when the current fare of 20 hryvnias was set, fuel cost 55 hryvnias, whereas it now costs 80 hryvnias, so prices must be raised. They had actually calculated that they needed 30 hryvnias, but the city council did not agree to this.

Odessa residents and visitors are outraged by the fare and do not believe that the quality of the route buses justifies the cost. City Council member Oleksiy Asaulenko also believes that the technical condition of the buses and the quality of service do not justify the price demanded by the bus operators.

The bus companies aren’t asking us right now whether it’s possible or not. They’re simply informing us that they’re raising the fare. Even the head of the transportation department stated that the current financial justification is 30–32 hryvnias. And the carriers are making a concession to Odessa residents by setting the fare at 25. But we all understand that this concession comes at the cost of poor service. “Don’t ask us questions—just take what we’re giving you. What kind of rules are these?” the deputy exclaimed indignantly.

Since the full-scale invasion began, this will be the third fare increase for minibuses. In November 2024, the fare rose to 20 hryvnias, and in July 2022,faresonOdesa’sminibuses rose to 15 hryvnias; the cost of public transportation last increased in October 2021.

Кирило Бойко