Nikolaev is making significant strides in public transportation with the arrival of six new PTS trolleybuses, funded by Danish grants. This upgrade is thanks to a grant agreement worth €3.9 million, which allows for the acquisition of modern trolleybuses capable of running autonomously for up to 20 kilometers.
Director Yuri Smetana of KP "Nikolaeletrotrans" disclosed during a briefing on February 22, 2025, give details about the buses and their imminent deployment on city routes. "On today’s date, 6 of them are already in Nikolaev. We are preparing them for release on the line. Three more will arrive within one to two weeks," Smetana stated, highlighting the immediate improvements to local transportation options.
The investment not only improves the fleet but aims to expand services offered to the residents of Nikolaev. The upcoming trolleybuses will allow enhanced mobility across the city, representing the government's response to the increasing transportation demands of its citizens, especially as the city grapples with challenges stemming from past conflicts.
Looking forward, negotiations initiated by Nikolaev's Mayor, Alexander Senkevich, indicate preliminary agreements for additional Danish funding to secure nine more modern trolleybuses. Smetana hopes this program will significantly contribute to modernizing the public transportation system.
Simultaneously, the city is preparing to increase the price of rides on its public transportation starting March 1, 2025. The fare for paper tickets will rise from 8 to 10 hryvnias, and QR-code payments will increase from 7 to 8 hryvnias. Smetana explained, "We are doing everything we can to raise awareness on where the funds are going, to continue increasing our presence on the city routes; we are asking for just a little bit more of an increase to the fare for transportation."
This move is important as it coincides with the expansion of service routes, which will now include the new trolleybuses, boosting efficiency and capacity. The city looks forward to easing the burden on commuters and ensuring they have reliable and accessible transportation options.
Overall, these changes and expansions mark a significant positive step for the city of Nikolaev as it works to rebuild and improve its infrastructure post-conflict. Residents can anticipate not only more transport options but also enhanced service quality, paving the way for sustainable urban transit improvements.
With these developments, the local government emphasizes its commitment toward rebuilding and securing the public transportation framework, acknowledging the need to adapt to the citizens' growing transportation needs. The expected operational timeline for the new buses and the potential for additional grants reflect the city's dedication to growth and improvement.
These transformative measures aim to establish Nikolaev as a benchmark for public transport efficiency, stimulating the overall urban environment and promoting community mobility, important for revitalizing the city.