Sofia Transport Protest Drags On amid Standoff with Authorities, Only Metro Is Running

No buses in Sofia's streets on Wednesday as public transport workers are protesting for higher pay, Sofia, May 14, 2025 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

14.05.2025 15:15

(BTA)

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LOCAL FOCUS

The Wednesday protest by employees of Sofia’s surface public transport continues, with unions declaring that the protest will go on until a meeting is held with the responsible authorities: the Ministry of Finance and the Sofia City Hall. Union representatives emphasized they are demanding a direct conversation with Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev.

The protest started at 4:00 am as protesters blocked the departure of buses, trams, and trolleybuses from depots across the city. The demonstration is being held under the slogan “Decent Work – Decent Pay! No Transport, No Economy!”

Their demands are for an increase in wages by at least 15%.

The protest was expected to end at noon, as announced, but then an extension until 2 pm was announced - followed by a further extension until a meeting with the authorities.

As a result of the protest, only metro trains were running. According to Metropolitan EAD, the metro system remains has successfully handled increased passenger traffic during the morning rush hour.

Due to the transport disruption, Wednesday was declared a non-school day for all schools in Sofia by Mayor Vassil Terziev.

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