Euro 2012 ticket holders to ride Ukraine public transport for free

Feb 14, 2012, 9:06 GMT

Kiev - Fans holding tickets for Euro 2012 matches in Ukraine will get to ride the former Soviet republic's public transportation system for free, a UEFA official was on Tuesday quoted as saying.

Fans attending matches at Ukraine's four venues will be able to board city buses, trams and underground trains by presenting a game ticket, said Markian Lyubkivsky, UEFA representative in Ukraine, according to an Interfax news agency report.

Free rides will be allowed ticket holders the full game day and to midday of the following day, for a total maximum 36 hours, he said.

The UEFA would help Ukraine finance the scheme at a rate of one Euro per stadium seat for all games held in the former Soviet republic, Lyubkivsky said.

Ukraine's public transportation system is extensive but many of its buses and trams are old and uncomfortable by international standards, particularly during rush hour periods.

Ukraine's government has promised to purchase dozens of new buses and underground trains to help transport an estimated one million visitors expected to visit the country from June 8 to June 1 for Euro 2012. Poland is a co-host for the tournament.

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