Ukraine has one of the largest electric public transport networks in Europe. However, this advantage faces huge challenges. Cities urgently need significant investments to update and modernize systems, and therefore to improve the quality of transportation. Attracting external financing, developing modern project documentation and, above all, updating the outdated regulatory framework are becoming critically important for their future development. The NGO “Vision Zero” in its study emphasizes that without a systemic reform of the regulatory framework, it will be impossible to achieve these goals.

This was discussed on August 21, 2025 during the presentation of the study “Comparative analysis of legislative and technical standards for electric public transport in Ukraine and EU countries.” The event was attended by 33 people from 21 cities of Ukraine: representatives of municipal enterprises operating electric public transport, municipalities, and public organizations.

Video recording of the event:

Main barriers to modernization

The study showed that existing Ukrainian regulations, developed during the Soviet era, are outdated and create serious obstacles to the development of modern electric transport. In particular, experts identified the following problems:

• Unjustified bans : Ukrainian standards block the use of technologies that have long been successfully operating in EU countries.
• Unnecessary regulations : standards regulate not the end result, but the method of construction, which limits engineering flexibility and the introduction of innovations.
• Excessive requirements : The outdated "all or nothing" approach creates unnecessary barriers to project implementation.
• Templated design : engineers are forced to use Soviet schemes, without taking into account the specifics and needs of a particular city.

A systematic approach is the key to success

To overcome these problems, experts propose a comprehensive reform based on the principles of European law. The main proposals include:

1. The principle "works in the EU - allowed in Ukraine" : this will allow us to abandon outdated norms and introduce modern technologies.
2. Transition to parametric regulation : Instead of directive guidelines, clear performance indicators need to be established, which will give engineers more freedom.
3. Empowerment of municipalities : local governments should be given more opportunities to implement projects.
4. Complete abandonment of GOSTs : final harmonization with European standards is a key step for attracting international investment and urban renewal.

These changes will allow not only to modernize existing systems, but also to attract the necessary investments for the restoration and development of urban electric transport in the post-war period.

To view and download the study, click on the image:

About the project:

The materials were developed within the framework of the project “Reform of Electric Public Transport of Ukraine”, which was implemented by the NGO “Vision Zero” from August 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. The project was implemented in cooperation with the Association “Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine” within the framework of grant support from the European Climate Foundation. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the materials lies with the authors of the study. The European Climate Foundation cannot be held responsible for any use of the information presented in the studies and does not necessarily share the opinions, assessments and conclusions given in them.