Ukraine digitizes the launch of interregional bus routes

The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development is introducing a new, comprehensive procedure for launching bus routes, which completely digitizes the entire process—from the initial idea to the start of transportation. The relevant updates are enshrined in a new order from the Ministry of Development, according to the agency's press service.

The new procedure is based on the principle of a “single logical cycle” and culminates in the creation of an electronic route passport — an official digital document containing all key parameters.

For the first time, routes will be opened through the Unified Comprehensive Information System in the Field of Land Transport Safety (ECIS), and this will apply to all transport organizers. Both organizers and carriers will have access to the electronic office. Carriers will be able to create new interregional routes on an equal footing with organizers.

To create a route in the ECIS, four electronic documents must be prepared:

• route diagram;
• timetable;
• fare;
• driver's work and rest schedule.

All documents are created and submitted electronically to the ECIS, checked for compliance with requirements, and then an electronic route passport is created and approved.

An important change is that the carrier can independently initiate the creation of an interregional route for further submission to a tender. After the electronic passport is approved, the route is automatically submitted to a tender, which, starting in December of this year, will also take place in electronic format.

Thanks to the updated procedure, the Ministry of Development has eliminated one of the main problems in the industry—excessively long processes. Now, no more than two months should pass from the moment the idea of launching a route appears to the actual start of transportation.

As a result, the system is transitioning to a fully digital format:

• digital competition;
• digital route passport;
• digital permit;
• all information is stored in the Unified Electronic Register of Routes.