Ukraine has updated the rules governing international scheduled bus services, which include changes to the procedures and deadlines for opening or extending routes, according to a statement from the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development.
“The changes are aimed at establishing rules for organizing international transport services for businesses and expanding the regular network of international passenger routes to ensure seamless, safe, and comfortable travel,” the release quotes Deputy Prime Minister for Ukraine’s Recovery and Minister of Community Development Oleksii Kuleba as saying.
In particular, the changes provide for a 30-calendar-day period for reviewing route applications submitted via the online portal (opening, closing, changing, or extending a route). Provided that the feasibility of operating an international route is agreed upon with the foreign state, a decision will be made within 10 calendar days, and permits will be issued to carriers within five business days. Carriers will be given up to 20 calendar days to correct deficiencies in the applications and documents submitted via the online portal.
“The updated procedure also includes information on the number of slots at border crossing points for opening routes. This refers to the capacity to allow buses to pass at specific times,” the statement notes.
The Ministry of Development added that from now on, the approval period with neighboring countries will be up to six months, and with other countries—up to 12 months. In addition, every 12 months (instead of four months), the agency will verify the operation of international routes. Specifically, during the relevant period, the carrier must complete at least 30% of the trips specified in the permit. If this requirement is not met, the route permit will not be extended and the international route will be closed. It is noted that route performance verification is carried out based on data from the “eCherga” system.
Among other updates, new deadlines have been added for launching international routes. Specifically, from now on, the carrier must begin operating the route within 90 calendar days from the date the latest permit is uploaded to the carrier’s electronic account.
“Previously, this deadline was shorter, but now the Ministry of Development has approved a longer period so that carriers can properly prepare for the start of operations,” the ministry noted.
Among other changes, the regulations also provide for accounting for the total number of buses serving an international route in cases where several Ukrainian carriers are collaborating.
“The new procedure also includes sample documents, such as a schedule of drivers’ duty periods and breaks, a form for filling out the passenger list, and a form for transportation rates,” the ministry added.
The Ministry of Development noted that for the first time in 20 years, the procedure for organizing international transportation was updated in November 2024 as part of the reform of international bus transportation, where the main change was the digitization of procedures for managing international routes via an online portal.
