Restrictions will be introduced in Kyiv on taxi fare increases during air raid alerts, metro service suspensions and other transport disruptions. The services Bolt, Uklon, Uber and OPTI have agreed with the government that the surcharge for increased demand will not exceed 75% of the base fare. A memorandum to this effect was signed by representatives of two ministries and the four taxi-booking services. The agreement is voluntary in nature.
- In Kyiv, there will be a cap on taxi fare increases during air raid alerts and transport disruptions.
- Bolt, Uklon, Uber and OPTI have agreed to cap the demand surcharge at 75% of the base fare.
- If a standard journey costs 200 UAH, the fare, including the maximum surcharge, will be 350 UAH.
- On services where passengers set their own price, they will be allowed to increase it by up to twice the original amount.
How will taxi fares change during an air raid alert?
Under the terms of the memorandum, taxi services will limit dynamic fare increases during air raid alerts and when public transport is suspended. This was announced by the Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport Mykola Kalashnik.
The maximum surcharge will be 1.75 times the standard fare. For example, if a journey normally costs 200 hryvnias, during periods of high demand the price, including the surcharge, will not exceed 350 hryvnias.
For platforms where passengers set their own fares, a different mechanism will apply. The app will suggest a fare within a multiplier of 1.75, but users will be able to voluntarily increase their offer up to double the base fare.
The agreement specifically concerns a demand-based surcharge, rather than the setting of a single fixed price for all journeys.
How long will the restrictions remain in place?
Special measures will come into force as soon as a red air raid alert is declared. They will remain in place until public transport and traffic across the bridges have fully resumed, but for at least two hours after the all-clear has been given.
Companies will also be able to extend the restrictions for a longer period or apply them on a permanent basis.
Why did the government reach an agreement with Bolt, Uklon, Uber and OPTI?
The need for restrictions is attributed to a sharp rise in demand for taxis during transport disruptions in the capital. When the underground is suspended or services are restricted due to an air raid alert traffic on bridges, passengers are forced to find alternative ways of getting around.
According to Kalashnik, the government is working with transport operators to ensure that travel remains more affordable in such situations.
The memorandum also provides for the exchange of aggregated data on areas of highest demand. This information is intended to be used to improve the organisation of transport services in Kyiv. However, the companies must maintain the confidentiality of commercial information.
