The first deputy head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Yuliya Klymenko, raised the issue of transparency of Ukrzaliznytsia's activities and the need to discuss changes in tariffs for freight transportation with business. In her opinion, even in wartime, the company should actively interact with cargo owners and businesses, because it is these groups that pay taxes and use the services of Ukrzaliznytsia.
"Tariff changes must be discussed under any circumstances, including military ones. During the war, on the contrary, it is necessary to discuss more with business, which is the main taxpayer and user of Ukrzaliznytsia's services," Klymenko said.
She expressed concern that Ukrzaliznytsia leaves the issues of tariffs and its activities closed for public discussion, not providing enough information about its activities. Klymenko noted that the company does not often participate in committee meetings and does not publish current financial data, which raises suspicions.
"Ukrzaliznytsia is closed not only for business and discussion of tariffs, but also in principle we do not often see them at the committee - only when global issues arise. Their figures are also not very public, starting from 2021," she emphasized.
It will be recalled that recently the head of Ukrzaliznytsia Yevhen Lyashchenko reported losses in the amount of UAH 600-700 million for July-August and an expected small loss at the end of the year, which prompts the company to increase tariffs for freight transportation. At the same time, the European Business Association advised Ukrzaliznytsia to focus on increasing the freight base and reducing costs, rather than increasing tariffs.
