site.btaSofia Authorities See Positive Effects from Measures against Air Pollution

Sofia Municipality Monday reported a notable improvement in air quality following recent measures prompted by spiking air pollution, including the discounted Green Tickets” for public transport, that were launched for the first time in response to forecasts of high air pollution. Also, stricter enforcement is reported of the city’s Low Emission Zone for cars. The effect of the measures were reported at a news conference by the Deputy Mayor for Environment, Nadezhda Bobcheva, and the Deputy Mayor for Transport, Viktor Chaushev.

Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM) fell by almost 40% within three days, while nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels - closely linked to traffic - also dropped nearly 40% between December 19 and 22. Nearly 200,000 Green Tickets were purchased over the weekend and Monday, reflecting strong public participation.

The Deputy Mayors highlighted growing civic discipline and the effectiveness of Sofia’s combined approach. From December 1-21, violations in the Small Ring of the Low Emission Zone were around 30,000 fewer than the same period last year, with 17,288 violations recorded in the wider Large Ring zone.

Authorities stressed that these measures are part of a broader long-term strategy including cleaner heating, transport modernization, increased street cleaning, and expanded green spaces, calling on residents to continue supporting efforts for cleaner air and a healthier city.