Children from large families in Ukraine have a state-guaranteed right to free travel on public transport. Lawyers from the free legal aid system explain which types of transport this benefit covers, up to what age it applies, and what to do if a driver or carrier refuses to provide it.
A family is considered large if a married couple jointly raises three or more children, including those born in previous marriages. This category also includes a single parent who independently raises three or more children.
Children from large families have the right to free travel until they reach the age of 18. The benefit is retained until the age of 23 if the child is studying full-time or in a dual form at institutions of general secondary, vocational (vocational-technical), professional pre-higher or higher education.
Free travel for such children applies on urban passenger transport (except taxis), on public motor transport in rural areas, on suburban rail and water services, as well as on buses operating suburban and intercity routes, including intra-district, intra-regional and inter-regional routes. The benefit applies regardless of the distance of the journey and the child's place of residence.
To exercise the right to free travel, it is necessary to present a large family child's ID. In cities where an automated fare collection system has been introduced, it may be necessary to obtain an electronic ticket on preferential terms.
If a driver or carrier unjustifiably refuses to provide concessionary travel, lawyers advise recording all the circumstances of the incident. It is worth noting the carrier's details, information about the driver, the vehicle's registration number, the time and route of the journey, and also keeping the ticket and, if possible, the contact details of witnesses.
After this, an application can be submitted to the police, the State Service of Ukraine for Transport Safety (Ukrtransbezpeka), or to the local self-government body in whose territory the route operates. Copies of the large family child's ID and the travel ticket, confirming the right to the benefit and the fact of the journey, should be attached to the complaint.