There are categories of citizens exempt from fare for transportation, and these benefits will remain in place in 2025.
Specialists from the Free Legal Aid explained who will be eligible for free rides in minibuses next year.
Who can take advantage of discounted travel in 2025
In Ukraine, the right to free travel in minibuses applies to several categories of citizens. These include:
Children from large families.
Participants in combat operations and individuals equated to them.
Conscripts serving in the military.
Persons with disabilities due to war and those equated to them.
Rehabilitated citizens who became disabled due to repression.
Military personnel who became disabled as a result of participating in the war.
Children under 6 years old provided they do not occupy a separate seat.
Police and SBU officers while performing their official duties.
Parents of military personnel who died or went missing during service.
Persons with disabilities of the I and II groups, children with disabilities, as well as their companions (one person for each).
Veteran services in military and law enforcement agencies: police, State Emergency Service, SBU, tax police, prosecutor's office, etc.
Victims of the Chernobyl disaster (categories 1 and 2), including liquidators and children whose disabilities were caused by the accident.
What to do in case of refusal of discounted travel
According to the law, minibus drivers are required to transport beneficiaries if they belong to the above-mentioned categories. An unjustified refusal to transport is a violation, which may lead to liability for the carrier.
If the driver refuses to continue driving until the beneficiary pays the fare, it is advised to report this to law enforcement authorities.