Photo from UNIAN
The first easing phase may launch as early as May 22.
The Ukrainian government has developed a plan for the resumption of passenger transport in Ukraine, subject to compliance with all anti-epidemic measures.
The Infrastructure Ministry says the process has been divided into three stages, while the first phase may launch on May 22.
Stage 1
Municipal ground transport
Today, only certain categories of citizens holders of special passes from employers are allowed to use public transport. On May 22, the government plans to ease restrictions on public transport (except minibuses). No specifics have been announced on the easing but, obviously, it is about an increase in the allowed number of passengers per vehicle.
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Commuter transport
From May 22, the Infrastructure Ministry plans to resume short range bus services within administrative districts.
Rail service within regions
From May 29, railway transport will be allowed within the administrative borders of regions.
Air traffic within Ukraine
On May 29, it is planned to resume domestic passenger air traffic.
Stage 2
Interregional, international road transport; minibuses
Stage 2 will begin on June 9 with the launch of buses within regions and bus trips abroad (in case if the neighboring countries reopen borders to foreigners). Shuttle minibuses within cities and towns will be allowed to operate in regular mode.
Interregional railway communication
On June 12, the government will allow traffic of commuter trains in day hours, as well as all passenger trains according to schedule.
Stage 3
International and seasonal rail routes
The third stage is planned to start after the quarantine is over. It provides for the launch of international and seasonal trains.
International flights
After the end of quarantine, the government intends to reopen international flights to countries that have opened airports for inbound and outbound international flights.
Subway
Subway trains in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro will not relaunch in normal mode until June. According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, this may happen after Ukraine passes the peak of COVID-19 incidence.
"Today, these days we are seeing the peak of incidence rate. The turning point is when we understand that we have passed the peak and begin to move downward. City public transport is working. The question here is our cooperation with the mayors in increasing the number of these transport," he said on May 12.
The Cabinet is yet to approve the plan for transport restoration. Accordingly, some adjustments can be added to it. In general, summarizing the statements voiced by Ukraine officials, the implementation of such a plan, as well as lifting quarantine, will depend on the epidemiological situation. Therefore, all focus is on coronavirus stats.