Klitschko Responds to Zelensky's Free Transit Plan for Kyiv

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has responded to President Volodymyr Zelensky's initiative to introduce free public transport in the capital, citing significant logistical and financial challenges. Klitschko stated that Kyiv has a reserve of buses but lacks drivers, noting that 129 bus routes currently operate with 418 buses and 685 drivers due to the energy crisis halting electric transport. He added that only 25 additional buses could be deployed, requiring at least 50 qualified drivers. The mayor also claimed the government owes Kyiv over 8 billion hryvnias in subsidies for free transport of privileged passengers over the past 11 years, and noted that fully replacing metro capacity would require up to 1,020 buses.