site.btaGovernment Aims to Make Rail Transport Backbone of Public Transport, Transport Minister Says

The government’s goal is to make rail transport the backbone of public transportation in the country, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov said at a briefing at the Council of Ministers after the government’s weekly meeting on Wednesday.

The sector has been suffering for decades from chronic underfunding and lack of reforms, Karadjov noted. He explained that the National Recovery and Resilience Plan sets a deadline by the end of the year for a reform in passenger rail services.

Opening the market to private operators has the potential to make Bulgaria’s railways attractive, sustainable and efficient, he added. Competition will not just be about subsidies but about delivering better service to passengers. Three rail licenses have been issued so far, but none of the licence holders has taken steps to become an actual passenger rail operator, despite the opportunity existing since 2019, Karadjov pointed out.