site.btaMunicipal Bus Operator to Address Driver Shortage with Foreign Hires

The shortage of public transport drivers remains a serious challenge in Sofia and across Europe. To address it, Stolichen Avtotransport, the capital's municipal transport operator, is recruiting 25 foreign drivers, while a further 15 candidates have joined a programme for free training in exchange for a three-year work commitment, the company said on Monday.

Stolichen Avtotransport CEO Stilyan Manolov said drivers have been provided with new uniforms and long-awaited repairs are underway as part of efforts to improve working conditions. The company also offers free courses for obtaining a category D driving licence. He noted that recruitment efforts continue, but said insufficient funding for fleet renewal remains the main cause of staff turnover.

Bus driver Ivaylo Georgiev, who has worked in Sofia for 12 years, said the biggest challenges include heavy traffic and poor road infrastructure. While he currently drives a new bus, many colleagues operate vehicles more than 20 years old with mileage exceeding 1.5 million kilometres. Frequent technical faults in braking, air and air-conditioning systems lead to regular workshop visits, schedule disruptions and overtime.

According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), Europe has around 105,000 vacant city and intercity bus driver positions - nearly 10% of the required workforce. The shortage has increased by 54% since 2022, and forecasts suggest it could reach 275,000 by 2028. The average age of drivers is now over 50, while only 3% are under 25, and women make up 16% of the workforce.

A similar trend is observed at Stolichen Avtotransport, where 122 drivers have retired so far this year. While many previously continued working after retirement, this is now increasingly rare.

"In Bulgaria, as in Europe, we are trying to address these trends through higher wages, improved working conditions and active recruitment campaigns. However, this is not enough. More substantial restructuring and more efficient use of available resources are needed," Manolov said.

Addressing concerns about the roadworthiness of the fleet, he said all tyres are replaced promptly and the company maintains sufficient stock. He added that tyres wear out more quickly due to tramline crossings during roadworks, which can cause daily damage.