Pensioners should not worry about a possible increase in the cost of transportation in Kyiv.
In Kyiv, the cost of public transport may increase, but pensioners should not worry - their benefits will remain.
As reported by the director of the NGO "City Institute" Oleksandr Sergienko, the owners of the "Kyiv resident card", among whom are mostly older people, will continue to use transport for free.
Currently, the city authorities, on behalf of Vitaliy Klitschko, are preparing calculations for a possible revision of tariffs. The reason is the increase in costs for maintaining the transport system and the need to bring the cost of travel closer to an economically justified level. The last time tariffs were changed was in 2018.
At the same time, the capital emphasizes that despite a possible price increase, the system of benefits will remain in effect. The saved budget funds are planned to be used, in particular, to prepare the city for the heating season.
"Kyivshchyna 24/7" also reported that in Kyiv the cost of a city train ride has changed depending on the payment method. Passengers will have to pay more when buying tickets at ticket offices or terminals, while when paying via a mobile application the price remains lower.
Here are the main aspects of how the benefits and payment system will work in 2026:
Who is protected from price increases?
Despite the possible revision of tariffs, the key social protection tool is "Kyiv resident card" — remains in effect.
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Pensioners: For people of retirement age, travel will remain free of charge (provided that the benefit is activated on the card).
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Other beneficiaries: Veterans, people with disabilities, and other categories entitled to free travel by law will also not feel financial pressure.
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Pupils and students: The system of discounts for young people is usually reviewed separately, but the basic benefits should also be preserved.
Hybrid Payment Model: Digitalization vs. "Paper"
Using the example of the city tram, we see a new city strategy: encouraging cashless and mobile payments.
Where will the “saved” money go?
The city authorities explain the need to raise fares not only by the metro budget deficit, but also by the strategic needs of the entire city:
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Energy security: Preparation for the heating season (repair of CHP plants, networks).
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Infrastructure maintenance: Despite the fact that 64 UAH is an “inflated” figure with investments, the real costs for spare parts and electricity still exceed the current 8 UAH.
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System stabilization: Reducing subsidies will allow the city to maneuver its funds more freely under martial law.
An important nuance
Oleksandr Sergienko emphasizes that the tariffs have not changed since A recognition of colleagues in 2018During this time, the purchasing power of the hryvnia and the cost of energy have changed dramatically. Therefore, even if the tariff is not raised to the “cosmic” 64 UAH, its approach to the level 20–25 UAH (as in minibuses) seems like an inevitable step for those who don't have benefits.
