In Ukraine, transport accounts for approximately 12% of greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change. The largest share of emissions comes from private cars, which dominate the roads, as well as from freight transport. Even though trucks account for only about 2% of vehicles, they generate around 25% of the sector’s total emissions.
Russia’s full-scale invasion has significantly affected mobility patterns across Ukraine. Due to restrictions on public transport during air raid alerts in some cities, reliance on private cars has increased. This not only worsens air quality, but also leads to more congestion, parking pressure, and road expansion instead of the development of urban spaces. Meanwhile, pedestrians are often left with inaccessible infrastructure and polluted air.
On average, emissions from private cars are around 270 g CO₂ per passenger-km, while public transport produces approximately 65% less — about 95 g CO₂ per km. European experience shows that investing in public transport, cycling infrastructure, and sustainable mobility solutions can both improve quality of life in cities and significantly reduce climate impact.
Ecoaction has already implemented the #FreeTheLane (#ЗвільниСмугу) campaign in Kyiv, advocating for the introduction and enforcement of dedicated public transport lanes. These lanes prioritise buses and trolleybuses, while also being accessible to cyclists, licensed taxis, emergency services, and the military. As a result of the campaign, the number of such lanes in the capital has significantly increased.
Currently, Ecoaction is working together with other NGOs and the relevant Ministry to reform the public transport system and promote a European model of urban mobility. Another key area of our work is reducing emissions from freight transport. In particular, we advocate at the national level for the implementation of road charging based on the “polluter pays” principle.