site.btaSave Sofia Sees Ongoing Public Transport Protest as Chance for Reform, Offers Five-Step Plan

As Sofia has been gripped by a protest of public transport workers with demands for higher pay, the Save Sofia party said that it is an opportunity for reforms to "finally modernize public transport" and suggested a plan in five steps. In a press release put out Friday, they said they have already proposed it to Mayor Vassil Terziev.

Save Sofia used to be part of the ruling majority in Sofia, which also includes Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria but pulled out recently over policy differences.

Their proposed plan includes:

●     Increase in salaries of the most scarce positions (drivers and mechanics)

●     Purchase of new vehicles (buses, trolleybuses and trams)

●     More funds in the budget for repairs of the tram network and the separation of BUS lanes and corridors for public transport

●     Reform of transport companies and their subsequent merger into a single city operator

●     Parking reform, financing public transport and construction of parking lots

Boris Bonev's party said the conversation should stop revolving only around salary demands and focus on improvements that would benefit all Sofia residents.

"This plan was developed by Save Sofia and was presented to Vassil Terziev more than 6 months ago," the party's position states. "No one has the luxury of running away from responsibility anymore. It's time to roll up our sleeves and stand up for difficult, seemingly unpopular, but desperately needed measures," said Save Sofia leader Bonev.