From tomorrow, we will launch another 30 new gas-fuelled buses that will run on lines 72 and 84. We continue the modernization of the public transport in the capital. In pursuance of our vision for the development of Sofia as a green city and air quality improvement, we have undertaken a programme for modernization of the urban transport. This said the Mayor of Sofia, Yordanka Fandakova at the inspection of the readiness for putting into operation of the 30 new buses, in the presence of the Deputy Mayor of Sofia, Doncho Barbalov, the Executive Director of Sofia Auto Transport, Slav Monov and the Chair of the Transport Committee at Sofia Municipal Council, Ekaterina Yordanova.

The new buses are gas-fuelled, have CCTV, lowered floor, a ramp for people with mobility difficulties and meet the highest EURO 6 emission standards. Free Wi-Fi will also be available.

By the end of the year, another 82 new buses will be launched; 22 of them have already been delivered and are in the process of equipping. The delivery of 60 articulated buses started and this year 90% of the buses running on city lines will be renovated. Thus, the average age of public transport buses will be 6 years.

This year, the delivery of 13 new trams is expected as well as the launch of the first section of the third subway line with the new Siemens trains.

For the last few years, we have implemented one of the largest urban transport modernization programmes aimed at attracting more passengers and stopping the old and polluting buses, said Fandakova. 

Mayor Fandakova announced also that in the draft budget for 2019, which will be submitted to the Sofia Municipal Council, after tough negotiations with the trade unions, the funds for the transport would be increased with BGN 10 million to raise the salaries of all employees in the four transport companies by an average of 10%. Salaries will rise by 10% from February 1, 2019.

Photographer: Geo Kalev