New rules for granting benefits: now you don’t need to prove your right

In Ukraine, plans are underway to amend the rules governing preferential travel to eliminate disputes between passengers and carriers. This is provided for by draft law No. 5651-2, which switches to an electronic system for accounting of benefits in transport.

According to the new model, the right to preferential travel will now be confirmed through a bank card, which the passenger must attach to the validator. The system will automatically record the trip, and carriers will receive compensation. This should lead to the official accounting of all preferential trips and to a reduction in transport-related conflicts.

Previously, pensioners often had to confirm their right to a benefit with the driver, which often led to misunderstandings. The new system allows you to avoid these situations, because the card now confirms the right to free travel.

The state will finance veterans’ benefits, while the compensation of pensioners and socially vulnerable segments will be covered by local budgets. Communities will also be able to control the number of preferential trips, helping optimize routes.

In the event of a card loss, the passenger can quickly block it and have it restored through the bank or the Administrative Services Center. Many pensioners already use bank cards to receive their pensions, so the transition to the new system should not pose any particular difficulties.

However, there are also certain risks, in particular, that some people will find it difficult to switch to the digital format. Technical problems may arise at the beginning of the reform, and there may also be insufficient equipment in small towns. The issue of personal data protection also remains a problem, since the system will record all trips.

The reform will be implemented gradually, and the transition period will last until July 1, 2028, when it is planned to complete the installation of the necessary equipment and connect beneficiaries to the new system.