Strategic challenges and priorities for the development of urban public transport in the context of socio-economic transformation

Urban public transport plays a crucial role in ensuring mobility, economic efficiency, and social accessibility in modern metropolitan areas. Under conditions of socio-economic transformation, public transport systems face increasing pressure caused by rapid motorization, environmental challenges, congestion of transport networks, and limited financial resources. The article analyzes the key problems and development trends of urban passenger transport in Ukraine in the context of global economic and social changes. The study examines the main global and country-specific factors influencing the functioning of passenger transport enterprises, including environmental pollution, growth in private car ownership, infrastructure overload, insufficient financing, tariff regulation, and the lack of effective passenger accounting and compensation mechanisms for privileged categories of passengers. Special attention is paid to the social role of public transport, its impact on labor productivity, quality of life, and urban development. Based on the analysis of statistical data and the example of Kyiv’s urban transport system, the article identifies structural contradictions in the operation of transport enterprises and highlights the consequences of inadequate regulation and inefficient resource allocation. The research emphasizes the importance of state and municipal regulation in ensuring service quality, financial sustainability, and balanced interests between passengers and carriers. The paper proposes priority directions for the development of urban public transport, including strengthening its role in society, implementing targeted development programs, improving management efficiency, ensuring service quality, and overcoming financial instability. The results can be used in the formation of transport policy and strategic planning at the municipal and national levels.