The introduction of a single online bus transportation portal in Ukraine is a step forward in creating convenient and efficient travel mechanisms. Now passengers can easily check schedules and routes, avoiding annoying waits at customs and checkpoints. Find out how the innovative solution is aimed at making life easier for travelers and promoting the development of transportation services in the country

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In 2023, 7.5 million Ukrainians used buses for international travel. Of these, 90% were women, a third of whom traveled with children.

According to the Ministry of Reconstruction, at least 25% of the market participants avoid paying taxes. In addition, the large influx has created huge queues at checkpoints. 

To address these problems, the Ministry of Recovery launched a reform of passenger road transportation on March 22.  The main change for passengers is the ability to purchase a bus ticket from legal carriers on one portal.

All carriers operating on international routes must now have the necessary documents: a license for international transportation, driver and vehicle documents, and a permit for regular or irregular transportation.

The Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine has launched a single online portal for international bus routes. It is noted that the initiative will work within the framework of passenger transportation reforms. 

Single online portal for international bus travel: details

On this portal, passengers can check the legality of the route, schedule, carrier, and purchase a ticket, as well as leave feedback if necessary. 

The portal has been open for testing since March 22. In April, other carriers will be integrated into the portal, which will allow you to buy a ticket for most routes.

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eBus queue

Now every regular bus has a clearly defined time for crossing the border in accordance with the schedule, which is aimed at reducing waiting time at checkpoints. 

At the same time, the system will automatically check permits to avoid illegal transportation.

Currently, all buses arrive at the border crossing point at a time convenient for them, which often leads to queues, especially at night, when passenger traffic is usually more intense. There are also hours when buses do not run at all.

According to KIIS, passengers spend an average of 7 hours crossing the border, which is a quarter of the total travel time, which is usually 30 hours.

The introduction of slotting at the border will allow buses to cross the country only during pre-booked time slots. It is already available at three checkpoints. These are Yahodyn - Dorohusk, Mamalyha - Kryva, and Mohyliv-Podilskyi - Otach.

If a carrier is unable to book a convenient slot, it has two options. First, it can book another time slot and adapt its route accordingly. Alternatively, it can choose an alternative checkpoint with a live queue (for example, for Yahodyn-Dorohusk, this is the Ustyluh-Zosyn checkpoint, located 74 kilometers away).

According to the ministry, this will mean shorter travel times for passengers and the ability to plan their route without having to book additional tickets "just in case."

On the other hand, not all buses can cross the border at the same time at night, which can be a problem for passengers who are concerned about travel schedules. This is especially important because the infrastructure on the other side of the border does not currently offer such solutions, so there may be delays from neighboring countries. However, in the future, when the new system is implemented, slotting will be extended to all checkpoints, and the need for alternative ones will gradually disappear.

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Online carrier account for opening international routes: how it will work

The corresponding account is currently available only for internal testing by carriers. Its goal is to replace the paper-based and bureaucratic procedure for opening a route with a fast and fully digital procedure, the ministry emphasizes.

The government is reforming bus transportation: what is planned next?

The next step after reforming international passenger transport will be changes in the domestic market for Ukrainian passengers, epravda reports.

First, domestic transportation will be added to the platform with legal international carriers. The second change involves the transfer of tickets for bus travel within Ukraine to electronic form. The third change concerns the requirements for buses, including the services that passengers are guaranteed to receive.

For carriers, the most notable change is likely to be the introduction of a mandatory payment transaction recorder (PTR).

However, another important component of the overall passenger transport reform is the issue of bus stations.

Finally, access to the transportation market will be simplified. To obtain a license for international transportation, carriers will need to operate in the domestic market for 3 years.