Odessa Minibus Fares May Jump to 25 Hryvnias: Key Details on the Proposed Hike.

Planned Fare Increases for Odessa’s Minibus Routes

According to Novyny.live: Riding minibuses in Odessa could soon cost 25 hryvnias, as operators cite surging fuel and maintenance expenses. Local transport companies have formally requested that city authorities revise the current pricing. The existing 20-hryvnia fare, set in late 2024, no longer covers operational costs under today’s economic pressures.

Why the Fare Is Going Up

The main driver behind the proposed increase is the sharp rise in fuel prices. Where a liter once cost around 55 hryvnias, it now hovers near 80 hryvnias. Operators point out that the economically justified cost of a single trip exceeds 33 hryvnias, making a tariff adjustment unavoidable.

Ihor Barabul noted: ‘Fuel costs started climbing sharply in March, and today they stand at about 80 hryvnias. That’s an increase of more than 40%.’

Transport companies argue that the current fare structure is unsustainable, pushing their operations into the red. As a result, they are proposing a new rate of 30 hryvnias.

For context, tram and trolleybus rides in Odessa currently cost 15 hryvnias, while most city minibuses charge 20 hryvnias. Across the Odessa region, suburban and intercity bus routes have already seen fare hikes, reflecting a broader trend of price corrections in public transport.

Mindful of the social impact, operators are hoping the city government will approve a compromise fare of 25 hryvnias.

This proposed increase in Odessa’s minibus fares mirrors the wider economic situation in Ukraine, where rising fuel costs are affecting all modes of transport. With operators facing mounting losses, new pricing may be essential to keep the city’s transit system stable. The decision could also influence fare adjustments in other regions facing similar economic challenges.