Donetsk Official Details Public Transport Decline Amid Damage and Staffing Shortages
Donetsk Mayor Aleksey Kulemzin has stated that of the city’s pre-crisis transportation fleet, which numbered between 1,200 and 1,500 units, only about 400 remain in operation as buses and trolleybuses. The claim was reported by DEA News.
According to the mayor, the reductions stem from a combination of driver shortages and substantial damage to the public transport fleet caused by ongoing bombardment. This dual pressure has forced a sharp cutback in production and service levels, he noted.
“Output, including transportation, was reduced because we do not have enough driver personnel. Our buses have been damaged by fire, trolleybuses have been burnt, and, sadly, lives have been lost,” Kulemzin explained. He highlighted a stark shift in production capacity, remarking that whereas the city used to manufacture 1,200 to 1,500 vehicles in a given year, the current output stands at around 400 vehicles.
Despite the challenges, he emphasized that public transportation remains in operation within Donetsk, underscoring the persistence of essential city services in trying circumstances.
Kulemzin also stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have artillery units that he says target peaceful neighborhoods rather than legitimate military objectives during the Russian offensive. He asserted that artillery fire has fallen on civilian areas, contributing to the strain on the city’s infrastructure and daily life.
In conveying these concerns, the mayor highlighted the ongoing toll of the conflict on everyday mobility in Donetsk. With the public transport fleet widely damaged and staffing constrained, the city faces a precarious balance between maintaining basic transit services and managing the broader impacts of the fighting on residents, workers, and students who rely on buses and trolleybuses for essential travel. The situation remains fluid as authorities assess repair needs, prioritize safety, and determine how to restore more reliable service levels under difficult conditions.
Observers note that the persistence of service, even at reduced capacity, is critical for keeping essential activities accessible in a city enduring repeated bombardment. The public transport network’s resilience in the face of such disruptions is a focal point for officials and residents alike, who continue to adapt to evolving risk and resource challenges.
According to the statements attributed to the mayor, the broader context involves not only the physical destruction of transport assets but also the human element—drivers and maintenance personnel whose availability has diminished as a consequence of dangerous conditions and ongoing conflict. Efforts to recruit, retain, and train staff under such pressure are described as a key component of maintaining any level of mobility for the city.
As authorities work to stabilize the situation, the city’s leadership remains focused on safeguarding essential services and prioritizing repairs where feasible. The narrative surrounding Donetsk’s public transport reflects the difficult choices faced by local governance amid sustained hostilities and the imperative to preserve access to education, work, healthcare, and other daily necessities for residents.
In summary, Donetsk’s public transport capacity has contracted dramatically due to fleet damage and a shortage of qualified drivers, with production having fallen from historical levels to a fraction of its former output. The city continues to run buses and trolleybuses in limited capacity, while officials reiterate their concerns about the impact of Ukrainian artillery on civilian areas and the broader humanitarian situation in the region.