In Ukraine, starting from January 1, 2026, a unified ticket format for all types of public transport has come into effect. According to the order of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development No. 1066, the new system covers urban and suburban bus routes, intercity and international bus services, trams, trolleybuses, and the metro. The aim of this innovation is to enhance the transparency of passenger transport and provide clear conditions for passengers.
This is reported by Finway
Key Changes and Ticket Requirements
The new rules apply to both paper and electronic tickets issued through automated fare collection systems. From now on, each ticket must include complete information: fare (full or discounted ticket, VAT, commission fee, if applicable), registration number (serial, fiscal, or unique identifier for digital tickets), date and time of departure or validity period, carrier details (name, EDRPOU code or RNOCP code, address, and contact information), insurance contract details and insurer information, and if necessary, a QR code on the front side of the ticket.
For electronic tickets, the same requirements as for paper tickets have been introduced: they must be issued as full-fledged digital documents with all mandatory attributes. After payment, the passenger receives confirmation in a convenient form: on their smartphone screen, as a QR code, via email, through a mobile application, or in their personal electronic account.
“A unified ticket format is a fundamental yet very important step towards a transparent and understandable passenger transport system. Passengers must clearly understand what they are paying for, who provides the service, and what their rights are,” the agency stated.
Specifics for Different Types of Transport
On intercity bus routes, the ticket must now include detailed information about the trip, including transfer points and times, as well as the duration of waiting between them. For international transport, mandatory ticket personalization is required, indicating the passenger’s first and last name as per their passport. Such tickets cannot be transferred to other individuals and must include information about transfers.
On suburban routes, a separate baggage receipt is issued to the passenger when transporting luggage. For the first time at the regulatory level, requirements for tickets for urban electric transport – metro, trams, and trolleybuses – have been defined. An electronic ticket for this transport can be obtained in the form of a QR code, via a mobile app, email, or the passenger’s personal account. Information about insurance may be placed on either the front or back of the document.
The introduction of a unified ticket format is expected to simplify the use of public transport, protect passenger rights, and make the transport system more transparent and controllable.