From Crisis to Opportunity
As Ukraine rebuilds amid conflict, its cities are seizing the opportunity to transform their urban mobility. By joining POLIS, Ukrainian municipalities Mariupol, Zviahel, Uman, and Lviv aim to develop sustainable and resilient transport systems, learning from European best practices towards long-term recovery.
In order clockwise: Mariupol, Zvihael, Lviv, and Uman
City of Mariupol, City of Zvihael, City of Lviv, and City of Uman
Amid significant challenges arising from the Russian invasion, Ukraine stands at a critical juncture in its urban development, particularly in mobility. The ongoing conflict has greatly disrupted the nation’s infrastructure, leading to airspace closures and attacks on vital transport facilities. As a result, cities' ability to maintain and enhance their mobility systems has been severely impeded. With airports closed and key railway lines damaged, both domestic and international transit face significant bottlenecks.
Moreover, the war has hastened the trend of shrinking cities, especially near the frontline, as population displacement and economic difficulties drive many Ukrainians to leave urban areas. This demographic shift further strains municipal budgets, making it challenging to prioritise or invest in modernising transport systems.
Most Ukrainian cities are now contending with outdated and deteriorating transport infrastructure, which typically would have been a focal point for reform and development under normal circumstances. However, the exigencies of national defence and wartime logistics have diverted government attention and funding away from long-term urban mobility planning.
Rebuilding urban life through sustainable mobility
Indeed, as Ukraine faces the immense task of rebuilding amidst the ongoing conflict, POLIS members stand united in supporting cities to place sustainable and resilient mobility at the heart of their recovery efforts. Despite these unprecedented challenges, Ukrainian cities are looking ahead, seeking ways to rebuild and improve. Mobility has emerged as a key pillar for post-war recovery and a crucial aspect of sustaining urban life during the conflict. To meet this need, there is a growing movement to connect Ukrainian cities with their European counterparts to exchange knowledge, ideas, and resources. Notably, POLIS, as a leading network of European cities and regions dedicated to developing innovative transport solutions, has extended an open invitation to Ukrainian cities to join its network in May 2024, offering them the opportunity to be part of a broader European initiative aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.
The opportunity to become members of a European network such as POLIS is unprecedented for Ukrainian cities. Mariupol, Zviahel, Uman, and Lviv have already embraced it, taking the initial steps toward building a more resilient, sustainable, and connected mobility future. Indeed, POLIS' open call provides a way for these cities to collaborate with European peers and contribute to a mobility renaissance that could define Ukraine's urban landscape for generations to come. This move also aligns with the European Commission's CIVITAS initiative, aine into which has further integrated Ukraine into the region’s vision of urban transport innovation through the institution of CIVINET Ukraine.
To envision the road ahead, we take a look at the mobility profiles of POLIS members Mariupol, Zviahel, Uman, and Lviv, exploring their current status, challenges, opportunities, and what are their upcoming goals for the next five years.
Mobility profiles of Ukrainian POLIS member cities
Mariupol
- Current status: Before the full-scale Russian invasion, Mariupol was a key industrial port city on the Azov Sea, home to over 543,000 residents. It was advancing urban mobility reforms, with over 40% of trips made via public transport, as well as developing strategies to enhance micromobility.
- Challenges: Now under occupation, the city’s infrastructure is devastated: over 70% of its public transport fleet has been destroyed and electric transport infrastructure, including tram tracks and substations, has been heavily damaged. Future challenges include rebuilding transport systems amidst a significantly reduced and displaced population and funding shortages.
- Envisioned solutions: Post-liberation, Mariupol aims to rebuild its transport network from the ground up, focusing on sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. The city plans to introduce electric buses and rapid tram systems, alongside micromobility-friendly infrastructure. POLIS’ support in knowledge transfer and strategic planning will be crucial for this transformation.
- Upcoming goals for the next five years: (1) Rebuild transport infrastructure (bridges, roads, pedestrian safety); (2) Restore public transport services (starting with buses); (3) Prepare for electric buses and modern transit systems.
Arboretum Sofiyivka in Uman,
City of Uman
Uman
- Current status: With 82,500 inhabitants, Uman is a major tourism and educational hub in central Ukraine. Its public transport system is outdated, and there is not enough infrastructure for alternative modes such as cycling, despite being situated at a key transport intersection.
- Challenges: Public transport has limited coverage, especially in remote areas, and the bus fleet is ageing. There is also a lack of bicycle infrastructure, which hinders the adoption of environmentally friendly transport options.
- Envisioned solutions: Uman aims to modernise its transport system by integrating eco-friendly bus fleets and promoting electric vehicle usage. Additionally, enhancing the cycling infrastructure and adopting digital technologies like real-time tracking and contactless payments are priorities.
- Upcoming goals for the next five years: (1) Modernise the bus fleet with eco-friendly models (electric or hybrid); (2) Expand the electric mobility network (charging stations, e-scooters); (3) Integrate digital tools for public transport and ticketing.
Zviahel
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Public transport buses in Zviahel,
City of ZviahelCurrent status: Zviahel is a small community in northern Ukraine with a population of 62,000. The city is developing economically and culturally, with a strong focus on tourism, but faces significant challenges in urban mobility, especially in providing inclusive and eco-friendly options.
- Challenges: Zviahel struggles with developing inclusive mobility options and an underdeveloped cycling infrastructure. Additionally, parking and optimisation of public transport routes remain ongoing issues.
- Envisioned solutions: The city aims to expand pedestrian zones and improve its cycling infrastructure while modernising public transport stops and routes. Mobility plans will also incorporate inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
- Upcoming goals for the next five years: (1) Expand pedestrian and cycling-friendly zones; (2) Modernise public transport stops and optimise routes; (3) Develop a comprehensive urban development plan for long-term mobility.
Lviv
- Current status: Lviv, with a population of 730,000, has long been a cultural and economic hub in Western Ukraine. Over half of the population relies on public transport, yet the city suffers from congestion due to rising private car ownership. Lviv also became a rehabilitation hub for war victims, increasing the demand for accessible mobility.
- Challenges: The city faces heavy traffic, outdated public transport systems, and the need to advance electromobility. The Russian invasion has heightened the need for energy independence and sustainable mobility solutions.
- Envisioned solutions: Lviv is focused on implementing its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), which prioritises pedestrian-friendly streets, improved public transport, and reduced reliance on private cars. The promotion of electric transport and accessibility is crucial to its future mobility landscape.
- Upcoming goals for the next five years: (1) Finalise the e-ticketing system launch and transfer to the Public Service Obligations (PSOs) model; (2) Improve street and public transport accessibility; (3) Expand the cycling network and reorganise public transport routes.
The road ahead
Ukrainian cities are eagerly looking to POLIS to facilitate the exchange of European best practices in sustainable urban mobility, guide the development of strategic policy frameworks, and provide expertise in implementing innovative, inclusive transport systems. There is a strong emphasis on advancing electric mobility and micromobility initiatives, recognising their vital role in modernising Ukraine’s urban transport landscape and improving accessibility.
Recognising this commitment, POLIS aims to support Ukrainian cities by providing insights and best practices from European cities, empowering them to address their mobility challenges and implement sustainable solutions. By becoming part of POLIS, these cities also gain access to EU-funded research projects and cutting-edge innovations in urban transport, which will help them modernise their systems with technologies like electric buses and smart mobility options.
‘At POLIS, we aim to support Ukrainian cities in their rebuilding efforts, as there is a noticeable and growing commitment among the cities to transform their transport systems and to make urban mobility more sustainable. We hope they can benefit from the lessons learned in European cities through peer-to-peer exchanges and collaboration in EU research and innovation projects,’ says Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General, POLIS.
Indeed, as Ukraine faces the immense task of rebuilding amidst the ongoing conflict, POLIS members stand united in supporting cities to place sustainable and resilient mobility at the heart of their recovery efforts.
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Calling all Ukrainian cities!
At its Annual General Assembly in November 2023, the members of the POLIS Network unanimously agreed to open up the Network's services to Ukrainian cities, at no charge. With this action, POLIS aims to provide its support in rebuilding and building back better their transport infrastructure, with sustainability at the core. Those interested in joining POLIS can do so by completing this application form and submitting it to Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General of POLIS, via email at kvancluysen@polisnetwork.eu.
About the authors:
Dzvenyslava Tyslyukevych, Coordinator – CIVINET Ukraine, City Institute. Tyslyukevych has seven years of experience in sustainable urban development, mobility, public administration, and humanitarian aid. As CIVINET Ukraine’s Coordinator, she aims to create a robust Ukrainian-speaking platform for mobility-focused exchanges, practice replication, and networking, fostering collaboration and advancing sustainable urban mobility among its members.
Carlotta Inserra, Project & Communications Officer, POLIS. Inserra works on POLIS’ corporate communications and magazine and is involved in several EU-funded sustainable urban mobility projects that focus on inclusive, clean, and shared mobility, among others. She is passionate about the intersections between social impact, communications and storytelling. Moreover, she supports the work of the Active Travel & Health Working Group.
Mariupol City Council