[66667] Wave of protest in Chisinau and Lviv: Sharp rise in public transport prices sparks a storm

Public protest in Kyiv against the increase in public transport fares

The capital of Ukraine is in an uproar following the announcement by the Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA) of its intention to increase public transport fares to 30 hryvnia starting July 15, 2026. As reported in ТСН новини, this is a significant jump that comes against the backdrop of rising energy and fuel prices. The authorities are proposing a discount mechanism for regular passengers and an option for a 90-minute transfer ticket for 60 hryvnia.

The public response was not long in coming. Less than 24 hours after the announcement, a petition on the Kyiv City Council website against the tariff hike crossed the 6,000-signature threshold required for a discussion, as reported by Київ Оперативний and Новини.LIVE. The authors of the petition define the move as "socially painful" and warn that it will place a heavy burden on students, retirees, and refugees during the war.

Meanwhile, the situation in other cities is also worrying. According to UA Stream, residents of Lviv have already been experiencing a price increase since May 16, when the cost of a ride went up by 5 to 6 hryvnia, with hints from private operators about another wave of price hikes in the near future.

While the municipality justifies the move by the need to maintain infrastructure and pay salaries, ХК 🇺🇦 Київ notes that the public is divided: while some residents understand the economic necessity, the vast majority argue that this is "too sharp an increase" that will severely hit the family budget.