site.btaRoad Safety Organization Warns that Sofia Public Transport Company Faces Bankruptcy within Six Months

The European Center for Transport Policies (ECTP), an NGO working to enhance road safety and improve road infrastructure, warned Tuesday that the Sofia public transport company faces bankruptcy within six months. ECTP held a news conference on the issue at BTA's National Press Club, where its Chair Diana Rusinova, said they had acquired data "indicating a significant risk of Sofia's public transport declaring bankruptcy within six months".

ECTP member Angel Popov reported that Sofia Municipality has raised the average speed of public transport on selected routes by reducing the transit time between stops since July 1, 2024.

"Considering the extreme danger posed to the 50 to 100 passengers in a bus, we question whether Sofia Municipality's change aligns with the traffic volume, speed, road conditions, bus specifics, and regular public transport lines that permit standing passengers," Popov said.

He highlighted the significant pressure on bus drivers due to the high vehicle density, with 830 vehicles per 1,000 people, coupled with inadequate infrastructure.

"Under such conditions, enduring more than three hours of work would be a challenge. The drivers were never consulted about the impact of this speed increase. We're highlighting these issues to implement preventative measures before an accident happens," Popov added.

Rusinova said that low-floor city buses operate on public transport routes in the capital. In suburban areas where speeds can exceed 50 km/h, ECTP has recommended the deployment of low-floor suburban buses equipped with seat belts for improved safety that allows for higher speeds.