site.btaSofia Mayor: Thorough Analysis Needed in Public Transport Operator Following Tram Accidents

After a series of incidents with trams and trolleybuses in recent days, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev expects a thorough analysis of each case from the management of the operator - Stolichen Elektrotransport. "The causes of the accidents are different, from hooliganism to human errors and problems with the infrastructure," Terziev told journalists on Friday.

He noted that about 500 incidents with the operator's vehicles were registered in 2024, about 70 of which were due to errors of the drivers, and added that the case of a derailed tram in Sofia was such an example, as the driver had left the vehicle unattended, which allowed a young man to shift the gear stick from neutral to drive mode.

"There are rules, there are laws, but we often choose not to comply with them because there are no sanctions. I expect the management of the operator company to reconsider which rules need to be updated and which sanctions should be applied in reality, not just on paper," Terziev stressed.

He emphasized that electric transport needs both renovation of infrastructure and new rolling stock. “We are currently working on securing loans to purchase new trolleybuses, trams and buses", he stated, adding that the rolling stock of urban transport in the transport framework amounts to about BGN 1 billion.

The Mayor pointed out that the municipal council is responsible for the management of these companies and that it is convenient to shift the blame to him, but it is false to do so. He emphasized that the problems are complex and are related to outdated equipment, infrastructure and the human factor, which is why they require long-term reforms that have not been undertaken so far.

Terziev pointed out that improving public transport should be based on better conditions for drivers’ rest, working conditions, modern vehicles and maintained infrastructure. "Pay is also part of the package, but it cannot be the only emphasis. Raising salaries by BGN 300 did not lead to more drivers or better performance of tasks, but only to more sick leave,” he commented.