site.btaSofia Introduces Green Ticket for Public Transport to Tackle Air Pollution

To tackle air pollution, Sofia Municipality is introducing a green ticket for travel on public transport on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the municipal administration reported on Saturday. Unlike the regular ticket, which costs BGN 1.60 and is only good for one ride or for any number of rides within half an hour, the green ticket costs BGN 1 and is good for riding all forms of public transport throughout the day.

Parking in the parking lots near metro stations will also be free throughout the three days. The measures are being introduced for the first time this winter in connection with the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology's forecast of fog and conditions for the retention of fine particulate matter in the lower atmospheric layers over the weekend.

For the second consecutive year, measures are being taken preemptively, based on forecast data, rather than reactively. Sofia's Deputy Mayor for Environment Nadezhda Bobcheva is calling on citizens to leave their cars at home and use public transport to improve air quality in the city. The Sofia Municipality is appealing to citizens to limit the use of private cars, not to burn waste, and to report any suspected violations by calling 112 or the Sofia Inspectorate. Information on air quality is published on the municipality's website.

The introduction of the green ticket is part of a set of measures to improve air quality during the winter season. These include low-emission zones for cars, which have been in effect since December 1 with an expanded scope, as well as the upcoming ban on solid fuel heating in nine districts of the capital, effective January 1, 2026.

On days when high levels of fine particulate matter are forecast, additional emergency measures will also be applied, such as increased street washing and sweeping, recommendations to schools and kindergartens to limit outdoor activities, and increased control by the Sofia Inspectorate.

Between December 1 and 18, a total of 470 inspections were carried out on various sources of pollution, resulting in 81 reports of administrative violation. The Executive Environment Agency reported an increase in fine particulate matter in several cities on Thursday.