Kyiv limits taxi fare increases during airstrikes: prices should not increase by more than 75%

Kyiv is introducing restrictions on increasing the cost of taxi rides during air raids, metro stops, and other transport emergencies. According to an agreement between the government and the largest transportation services, the cost of a trip should not exceed the usual fare by more than 75%. The new rules also provide for the preservation of restrictions after the alarm is lifted.

Which taxi services have agreed to limit prices

The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Economy signed a memorandum with four taxi services operating in the capital:

Bolt;
Uklon;
Uber;
OPTI.

The agreement provides for restrictions on dynamic increases in fares in situations when demand for transportation increases sharply due to extraordinary circumstances.

In particular, the rules will apply to periods of air raids, public transport stops, and other transport complications.

The maximum increase in the cost of a trip will be 75% of the base fare.

How much will a taxi cost during an air emergency

Under the terms of the memorandum, taxi services will be able to apply surcharges, but their size will be limited.

The base rate is considered to be the rate that is valid under normal conditions without an extraordinary increase in demand.

For example:

if a regular trip costs 200 UAH, the maximum cost during a transport force majeure will be 350 UAH;

if the base rate is 300 UAH, the cost should not exceed 525 UAH;

at a regular price of 400 UAH, the maximum cost will be 700 UAH;

if a trip usually costs 500 UAH, its cost according to the new rules should not exceed 875 UAH.

Thus, services retain the ability to increase tariffs due to increased demand, but within the agreed limit.

When will the restrictions apply

The new rules will apply to situations when the operation of the Kyiv transport system is complicated by extraordinary circumstances.

In particular, these include:

airborne alerts;

suspension of metro traffic;

temporary suspension of other public transport;

transport restrictions related to emergencies;

disruption of logistics due to restrictions on bridge traffic.

According to the Prime Minister, the need for such arrangements became especially obvious after the recent attack on the Southern Bridge in Kyiv.

Due to transport complications, the demand for taxis increased sharply, which led to a significant increase in the cost of trips.

Will the restrictions be in effect after the alarm is lifted

The tariff restrictions will remain in place for at least two hours after the red level airborne alert is lifted or until normal public transport and bridge traffic resume.

This is important, since it is after the alarm is over that a significant number of people are simultaneously trying to get home or to work.

During such periods, the demand for taxis may remain high even after the resumption of transport.

The government expects that the introduced restrictions will help avoid sharp jumps in transportation costs.

Will passengers be able to increase the cost of the trip on their own

The ability to offer a higher price to find a driver faster will remain.

However, according to the published terms of the agreement, such an increase must also occur within the established limits.

Therefore, even if a passenger is willing to pay extra for the speedy arrival of the car, the agreed restrictions will apply.

Are taxi services obliged to comply with the new rules

An important feature of the agreement is its legal status.

The restriction is provided for by a memorandum between state bodies and market operators, and not by a separate law or a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.

This means that we are talking about rules of conduct agreed by the parties, and not a general legislative prohibition on increasing tariffs above a certain level.

Accordingly, compliance with the agreements will largely depend on the taxi services themselves.

The government, for its part, has announced its intention to monitor the implementation of the agreed conditions.

Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky also expressed hope that other participants in the transportation market will join the initiative.

Why is this important for Kyiv residents

During air alerts and transport restrictions, taxis often remain one of the few available ways to move around the city.

At the same time, a sharp increase in demand can lead to a significant increase in the cost of trips.

The problem is especially acute in cases where the metro is stopped or traffic across bridges is restricted.

The introduction of the agreed limit at 75% should make pricing more predictable for passengers.

At the same time, the actual effectiveness of the new rules will depend on how consistently taxi operators comply with the terms of the memorandum.