Tula Faces Possible Fare Increase from March 1

In Tula, the approach to the system of municipal contracts for passenger transportation will change from March 1, according to the city«s Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure (Upravleniye po transportu i dorozhnomu khozyaystvu).

According to officials, the city will shift to a new system of municipal contracts. These will begin to be renewed from March 1 — just three weeks away.

The new contracts will include a higher price per kilometer of route. That is, transportation operators will receive more money.

The funds, it is reported, will be used for driver salaries and fleet renewal. Officials currently have no information about a fare increase for ordinary passengers.

It is likely that after the increase in the per-kilometer cost, the money to cover expenses will be sought from ordinary Tula residents — so further fare increases can be expected. At the beginning of the year, the cost of travel in the region rose sharply on intercity routes, by 25%.

For the first time, fares in the Tula region increased sharply on August 1, 2025, when public transport fares rose to 45 rubles (less than $1 at current rates).

Furthermore, Tula residents consistently complain about the operation of public transport in the city, especially during severe frosts when people have to wait at stops for an hour.

Meanwhile, Tula«s transportation operators are not struggling — net losses are seen only at the municipal Tulagorelektrotrans (the city»s electric transport operator) and the private ATP «Grif» (a private motor transport enterprise).