Kyiv lacks drivers for free transit plan, Klitschko says

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko responded to the president's directive for free public transport in the capital, stating the city lacks drivers for additional buses. He noted that up to 1,020 vehicles would be needed to replace metro capacity. As of November 9, Kyiv operates 129 routes with 418 buses staffed by 685 drivers, plus 114 private routes with 680 minibuses. Kyivpastrans can add only 25 more buses, requiring at least 50 additional category D drivers who need training and cannot be reserved due to limits. Klitschko also criticized the free fare initiative, urging the government to first repay over 8 billion hryvnias in subsidies owed to Kyiv for 11 years of free rides for beneficiaries. He added that ground transport cannot match metro regularity due to street traffic.