Beginning March 1, 2025, Mykolaiv will witness increased fares for its tram and trolleybus services, aiming to address rising operational costs and expand public transportation services. The changes, confirmed by Yurii Smetana, the Director of KP 'Mykolaiv Electric Transport', reveal significant adjustments to the pricing structure of public transport services within the city.
Under the new tariff system, purchasing a one-off paper ticket directly from the driver will cost 10 hryvnias, up from the current 8 hryvnias if paid cash. For those opting to pay via QR code or at kiosks, the fare will rise slightly to 8 hryvnias. This shift is strategically intended to promote digital payment methods, gradually moving away from cash transactions to improve road safety and lessen drivers' workloads.
Smetana explained the rationale behind these adjustments, stating, "Tariff for travel will increase to 10 hryvnias when purchasing paper tickets. When paying via QR code, the cost will increase by only 1 hryvnia to 8 hryvnias. This will gradually allow us to phase out cash, which will improve safety on the roads and reduce the burden on drivers." These fare changes also extend to monthly subscriptions and student discounts, with various tiers announced:
- One-day ticket: 25 hryvnias
- Seven-day ticket: 100 hryvnias for one type of transport, 150 hryvnias for both tram and trolleybus
- Monthly ticket: 400 hryvnias for one type of transport, 550 hryvnias for both
- Student discounts: 250 hryvnias for one type, 300 hryvnias for two
- Tourist tickets: 60 hryvnias for two days, 120 hryvnias for three months
While the fare increases will assist the local transport company, Smetana admonished, "Despite the increase, the new rates will not fully cover the expenses of 'Mykolaiv Electric Transport'. But it will help to stabilize transport operations and its future development." This declaration reflects the challenges faced by the company, which is contending with significant financial losses with Smetana indicating, "The company’s overall losses have already exceeded 180 million hryvnias, and the amount is approaching 200 million." Such stark figures highlight the urgent need for remedial measures to sustain transport operations.
Alongside fare adjustments, Smetana confirmed the introduction of new routes to the city's public transportation network, including the addition of trolleybus route No. 8. This new route, stretching for 27 kilometers with a total round trip of 49 kilometers, connects key areas of the city, promoting accessibility for residents. These expansions undeniably reflect the broader goal of enhancing urban transport links within Mykolaiv.
The upcoming fare increases, coupled with new transport options, symbolize the city's efforts to adapt to changing economic variables and the increased demand for public transport. For the city's residents, these adjustments are set to impact daily commutes and event attendance, calling for adaptability amid the shifts.
Moving forward, how these changes will affect ridership and the overall experience of using public transport remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the measures reflect sincere efforts to balance operational sustainability with service provision, making public transportation more resilient amid challenges.
With these practical updates on pricing and routes, Mykolaiv aims for extensive support as it navigates the pressures of rising transportation costs.