The municipality of Bucha was one of the first in Kyiv Oblast to face a sharp increase in demand for social services following the outset of the full-scale invasion. The municipality welcomed back people who had survived the occupation, wounded soldiers, internally displaced families and residents with temporary or permanent mobility issues. Given these circumstances, accessibility has become a daily challenge: Many people simply could not get to hospitals, rehabilitation centres, social services or other important places. The lack of specialised transport isolated the most vulnerable groups of people.
A needs analysis conducted by Bucha Centre for Social Services and Psychological Assistance revealed that the lack of accessible transportation is among the most pressing issues facing the municipality. Public transport was not equipped for people with disabilities, and private taxis remained unaffordable for many. This led to a vicious cycle where people were missing out on getting help and support. That is why the municipal authorities identified the creation of a barrier-free environment as one of their strategic priorities, and the decision to launch the Social Taxi was a natural extension of this policy.
The idea to submit a project to U-LEAD with Europe local financial contributions competition came about organically. The thematic focus of the contributions, Leaving No One Behind, was fully in line with the municipality’s own goal, to provide mobility to those who need it most. Bucha independently launched the social taxi initiative, and U-LEAD supported the municipality in implementing the idea, recognising it as an important step toward accessibility.
Funding was delivered through a local financial contribution. Bucha received a vehicle for the service from U-LEAD with Europe as part of the Emergency Assistance 2.0 project. Bucha City Council went through all the necessary procedures for properly accepting the vehicle and transferring it to the Centre for Social Services.
U-LEAD additionally financed inclusive retrofitting and specialised equipment for the vehicle at a cost of UAH 1,160,900. This enabled transforming an ordinary vehicle into a fully functional social taxi. Combining the municipality’s resources and the programme support, this approach ensured a sustainable launch of the service.
Nataliia Zaitseva, Project Factory Team Leader at U-LEAD’s Regional Operations Unit, emphasises that the programme support was comprehensive.
“We supported the municipality through all stages of the initiative, from preparing and refining procedures to completing the project. It was comprehensive — technical, organisational and financial — support. Project managers, financiers and regional experts joined the process to help the municipality take all the necessary steps in a proper manner.
Our approach is consistent: in addition to providing resources to support municipalities, we remain involved throughout the implementation process to mitigate risks and ensure quality outcomes.”
With this support, the municipality acquired a minibus inclusively retrofitted with a lift, handrails, a navigation system, outdoor lighting, climate control equipment and security systems. At the same time, the centre’s team underwent training in sensitive communication, working with people with disabilities and engaging with military personnel.
Along with the launch of the Social Taxi service, the Bucha municipality is making big strides in creating a broader support system for people with disabilities. A day care service for children with disabilities has already been opened in the Centre for Social Services, and efforts are being made to establish a Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Disabilities. This is an important follow-on to the municipality’s comprehensive approach: ensuring not only mobility, but also access to professional rehabilitation services, which are essential for families after stressful experiences and health problems.
Olena Renchka, the Director of Bucha Centre for Social Services and Psychological Assistance, says that while launching the service was challenging, it was absolutely necessary:
“Although we faced delays in delivery and had very little time for retrofitting, but we knew how important it was to provide this service. Not only did we learn technical aspects, but also the correct way to interact with clients — in a sensitive, respectful manner, without stigma.”
The Social Taxi has been officially operating since February 2025. In the first eight months, 255 trips were made for 78 clients. The routes extend not only within Bucha, but also to Kyiv and other settlements in the oblast. For many, this was the first opportunity to rejoin treatment, rehabilitation, education or deal with administrative matters.
According to Olena Renchka, the service has had a tangible human impact: “People no longer feel isolated. They know they can count on support and remain part of the community. This affects their mental health and sense of self-worth.
Today, the municipality received another inclusive vehicle to expand the service and increase the number of trips. Bucha is ready to share its experience with other municipalities, as the model has proven to be sustainable, effective and capable of operating in different regions.
"Despite all the difficulties, this service works, and we see the results every day. People with disabilities have gained meaningful access to the opportunities they need, which means our efforts have not been in vain,” concludes Ms Renchka.
