The NGO “Vision Zero” has presented an assessment of investment needs for the modernization of Ukraine’s urban electric transport, namely the trolleybus and tram systems. According to the study’s findings, the total amount of investment needed to upgrade these systems could be 11.260 billion euros.

The study “Cost Assessment of Measures to Modernize Ukraine’s Urban Electric Transport” (2025) is based on a methodology developed in 2014 by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The updated methodology takes into account changes caused by the war and inflation, and unit prices are calculated based on open data on public procurement conducted in Ukrainian and European cities.

Breakage of the contact network in the city of Zaporizhia in 2024. (photo: Allransua portal, author Coole )

The modernization cost assessment was conducted separately for systems located in controlled territories and for those under temporary occupation and yielded the following generalized results:

The study includes:

• Modernization of tram systems: major repairs and comprehensive reconstructions of tram lines (streets), purchase and modernization of rolling stock, major repairs of depots;
• Modernization of trolleybus systems: replacement of contact lines, purchase of new rolling stock (conventional trolleybuses and trolleybuses with autonomous power supply), as well as major repairs of the depot;
• Modernization of the energy sector: replacement of cable lines, installation of booster cables, supercapacitors, as well as replacement of transformers and rectifiers.

To view the overview, please click on the image below and you will be taken to the PDF file:

About the project:

The study was conducted as part of the project “Reform of Electric Public Transport in 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 .
The 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 that may be made of the information presented in the studies and does not necessarily share the opinions, assessments and conclusions expressed therein.