site.btaSofia Municipality Begins Large-Scale Optimization of Tram Network

Sofia Municipality is beginning a phased and large-scale optimization of tram transport in Sofia, aimed at more predictable, faster and better synchronized urban transport, said Deputy Mayor for Transport and Urban Mobility Viktor Chaushev in an interview on Thursday. He was being interviewed about the report adopted by the Sofia Municipal Council for optimization of the tram network in the capital.

"Our main goal is to eliminate the so-called "packet traffic", where several trams arrive at the same time, followed by a long interval without service. Where there is more than one line, the combined interval will be significantly shorter - 6 minutes between two lines and 4 minutes between three lines, similar to the organization of traffic in the metro," he added.

The new model provides for synchronizing schedules in common sections of the lines so that vehicles move evenly and at shorter intervals. In parallel, the Sofia Municipality is working on optimizing traffic light systems and introducing a "green wave" for public transport.

"The intervals specified in the scheme allow the lines in the common sections to pass not together, but at intervals from each other," Chaushev pointed out. According to him, this will also be helped by the optimization of traffic light-regulated intersections and the phased introduction of a "green wave" for public transport.

Among the main highlights of the optimization is the extension of tram line No. 8 from the Lyulin 5 borough to Journalist Square, which will provide a direct connection between one of the largest metropolitan boroughs and the central city area. The new organization also creates additional connections between the southern, northern and western parts of Sofia through the new lines No. 13 and No. 17, as well as through changes in the routes of lines No. 1 and No. 3.

According to him, the new organization will be introduced in stages by the end of the year, including in view of the upcoming renovation of the tram route on Maria Luiza Boulevard. During the construction activities, alternative connections to the metro and other public transport will be provided, so as to minimize inconvenience to citizens.