In Kherson, officials have tallied the losses to public transportation caused by Russian attacks

In Kherson, 31 public transportation vehicles—10 buses and 21 trolleybuses—have been damaged over the past month as a result of Russian shelling and drone attacks.

Vadym Melnyk, director of the municipal enterprise “Khersonkomtransservice,”reported this in a comment to the publication “Vgoru.”

According to him, during the same period, three bus drivers and a tractor-trailer driver—who is responsible for transporting trolleybuses and buses—were injured in attacks by Russian drones.

Melnik noted that due to constant strikes by Russian forces, public transportation is regularly damaged, leaving the city short of buses needed to provide full-scale passenger service. To address this problem, he said, assistance is needed from international partners and donors who could provide Kherson with new vehicles.

Due to the security situation, public utility workers and local authorities are constantly reviewing public transportation routes to minimize risks to passengers and drivers. Individual routes are quickly rerouted if certain streets come under Russian shelling or are at risk of drone attacks.

The company’s director emphasized that since the start of the full-scale invasion, not a single public transportation route in Kherson has remained unchanged—all have been adjusted in accordance with the security situation.

At the same time, due to the danger and for personal reasons, several drivers have submitted resignation letters. Despite this, in July the company hired two new drivers who are aware of the risks and agreed to work.

According to Melnik, the municipal enterprise “Khersonkomtransservice” currently has the necessary funding. Thanks to the support of the Kherson City Military Administration, the company was able to raise salaries for drivers and maintenance crew members.

Regarding a possible fare increase, the company’s director stated that the relevant commission is still reviewing the documents. The final fare has not yet been determined, but it is tentatively expected not to exceed 20 hryvnias.

Андрій Колісніченко