site.btaSofia Joins Car-Free Day European Initiative

Sofia joined the Car-Free Day European initiative on September 22, the press centre of Sofia Municipality said. On Sunday, the city centre will be open to pedestrians, and will host various events. Between 8 am and 8 pm, no cars will be allowed in the city centre. 

The goal is for citizens to move on foot, to use more public transport and/or alternative transportation.

At 11 am, Sofia Deputy Mayor for Transport Iliyan Pavlov will lead a bicycle procession.

There will be various events related to transport in the area around Aleksandar Stamboliyski Boulevard, including a tram simulator, a transport quiz at 2 pm, free riding of electric bicycles and scooters, open yoga classes, tai chi and zumba.

Three public transport depots will be open to visitors between 11 am and 4 pm, Krasna Polyana, Zemlyane garage and Zemlyane metro depot. They will be accessible both by regular public transport lines and by retro bus line number 202. At the tram depot, all children and transport fans will be able to see how a tram is driven and view miniature models of public transport.

The events are part of the celebration of the European Mobility Week between September 16 and 22, Sofia Municipality added.

European Mobility Week has been celebrated since 2002 on the initiative of the Mobility and Transport Directorate General of the European Commission in the week of World Car Free Day, September 22. At the heart of the initiative is the principle of promoting sustainable urban mobility, which leads to the reduction of air pollution, noise pollution, traffic jams, traffic accidents and health problems.