Kyiv is preparing to launch traffic during an air raid: what do the authorities say?

Kyiv residents can look forward to more convenient conditions for using public transport, even during air alerts. Find out what changes the authorities are preparing
The capital continues to review the rules for public transport during air alerts. The Kyiv City Military Administration (KCMA) is considering options to restore full traffic to ensure passenger convenience and safety.
Proposals from law enforcement
According to Timur Tkachenko, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, there are already first official and concrete proposals from the capital's law enforcement agencies. They relate to optimising the procedure for drivers and passengers during an air raid. According to Tkachenko, these proposals take into account the main priority - the safety of citizens.
‘The security aspect has been properly taken into account - this is the main thing,’ the KCMA head said in a statement.
Currently, officials, the military, law enforcement and representatives of the State Emergency Service are working together on an action algorithm. This algorithm should determine how transport will function during the Air Alert signal to avoid unnecessary stops and ensure the highest possible level of protection for citizens.
Read also: How public transport works in Ukraine in 2025: fares, payment, mobile apps
Rules of transport operation in Kyiv
As a reminder, from 1 August 2022, special rules for public transport during martial law will be in force in Kyiv:
▪️ Stopping traffic in case of air raid alert
▪️ Passengers must leave the cabin and go to the nearest shelter, the coordinates of which can be found on the official city portal or in the Kyiv Digital app.
After the alarm ends, the driver must wait for the passengers to return within 10 minutes. Those who do not have time to return can use the next vehicle without paying the fare again.
Subway operation
🔻 Red and green lines: do not run between the left and right banks of the city during the alarm.
🔻 Blue line: runs continuously, as all its stations are located underground.
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The position of the citizens
Since the new rules came into force, Kyiv residents have repeatedly come up with initiatives to mitigate or even cancel public transport stops during air raid alerts. In particular, relevant petitions were registered on the Kyiv City Council website, and the Kyiv City Council Transport Commission even supported one of them in August 2022.
However, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has previously stressed that the decision of the Kyiv Defence Council to suspend traffic during the air alert remains in force until the overall security situation improves. At the same time, the authorities are ready to respond quickly to changes in the situation and adjust the rules.
Are they going to change the rules?
In the near future, a special working group will be set up in Kyiv. Its task is to develop a clear plan that will allow public transport to operate as efficiently as possible during the air alert period without putting passengers‘ and drivers’ lives at risk. New instructions and rules are expected to be published shortly, taking into account both the proposals from law enforcement agencies and the practical experience of recent months.
Thus, Kyiv residents can look forward to more convenient conditions for using public transport even during air alerts. At the same time, the authorities emphasise that the final decision will be made by the Kyiv Military Council, taking into account the current situation in the city and the safety of the citizens.
If you decide to come to Ukraine, we recommend that you prepare in advance and familiarise yourself with the rules of wartime. An insurance policy covering military risks will be a key safety net for visiting Ukraine. The Visit Ukraine service offers fast and convenient registration of health insurance with military risk coverage. With us, you can buy insurance online and receive an electronic policy by email immediately after payment. We cooperate with reliable Ukrainian insurers and offer favourable insurance conditions for foreign citizens.
We remind you! A new type of air raid alert is being tested in a number of regions of Ukraine. The automated centralised alert system will now be implemented in Kharkiv and Kharkiv region.
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