Kyiv prepares launch of river routes across the Dnipro: fares could reach 80 hryvnias

Proposal for water transport

Kyiv is considering the possibility of organising regular passenger traffic on the Dnipro between the left and right banks of the capital. As noted by Volodymyr Kreidenko, Deputy Head of the parliamentary committee on transport and infrastructure, one of the key directions could be a route from the Slavytych metro station area to Postovaya Square.

Such a decision would allow passengers to reach the central part of the city by water transport and then transfer to the metro. According to preliminary estimates by the People's Deputy, the one-way fare could range from 60 to 80 hryvnias, although the final tariff has not yet been approved.

Launch conditions and logistics

Volodymyr Kreidenko emphasised that the technical capacity to organise regular transport already exists. The main condition is the approval of the route by the military administration. At the same time, the initiative for the official launch of transport services must come from the leadership of the capital.

To implement the project, several practical issues need to be resolved:

• identifying the carrier;
• conducting a technical inspection of the vessels;
• preparing the pier infrastructure;
• coordinating the schedule.

Previously, the deputy reported that passenger vessels are available, capable of carrying between 100 and 150 people per trip.

Strategic importance of river routes

The relevance of restoring passenger shipping has increased due to the threat of Russian strikes on Kyiv's transport infrastructure. River routes are being considered as one of the reserve means of connection between the banks of the Dnipro in case bridge traffic is restricted.

In parallel with the discussion of river transport, the capital is working on the issue of setting up two temporary pontoon crossings. Although the idea is not new — the restoration of river transport as an alternative to road and rail crossings has been discussed before — the city authorities have not yet announced an official decision on launching regular services between Slavytych and Postovaya Square.