site.btaPostal-Philatelic Issue Marking 125 Years of Electric Transport in Sofia Validated
A postal-philatelic issue dedicated to the 125th anniversary of electric transport in Sofia was validated on Friday at a ceremony at the Tram 83 tourist information centre. The event was organized by the Sofia Municipality and the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The ceremony was attended by caretaker Transport Minister Korman Ismailov, Deputy Mayor for Transport and Urban Mobility Viktor Chaushev, and Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev.
Viktor Chaushev said the initiative is part of the programme marking the 125th anniversary of the establishment of electric transport in Sofial, recalling that the anniversary had earlier been commemorated with a retro tram. He noted that electric transport is among the symbols of Sofia and plays a significant role in the city’s development.
Chaushev stressed that the Sofia Municipality is working to expand the trolleybus and electric bus network to new boroughs, as well as to modernize rolling stock. According to him, procedures are underway for the procurement of new vehicles and options are being explored to secure the necessary financing. He added that new tram infrastructure was built in 2025, while further investments in different sections of the network are planned in 2026, along with preparations for the purchase of new tramcars.
Terziev said the development of urban transport, and electric transport in particular, is among the Municipality’s main priorities.
Minister Ismailov highlighted the link between the development of electric transport and postal services, recalling that as early as the beginning of the 20th century letters in Sofia were transported by tram. He noted that postal markings indicating tram transport today have historical value and are of interest to collectors.
Ismailov added that as early as 1904, Sofia trams were equipped with post boxes, making them not only a means of transport but also part of the city’s communication system. According to him, this connection continues in philately, from the first stamps featuring trams in the 1960s to contemporary issues reflecting the development of public transport and communications.
/RY/
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