Together with the Executive Agency "Road Transport Administration", we will propose legislative changes aimed at resolving the public transport issues affecting various populated areas. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, Grozdan Karadjov, during a meeting with the mayors of all 18 municipalities in the Plovdiv region. The meeting was held at the initiative of Deputy Prime Minister Karadjov and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Communications in the National Assembly, Kiril Dobrev, and was hosted by the Regional Governor of Plovdiv, Professor Hristina Yancheva.
The discussion focused on the challenges faced by municipalities in the Plovdiv region rrelated to the organisation and operation of public bus passenger services under the approved transport schemes. Under the current legislation, operators running inter-settlement bus services are required to use bus stations. This requirement is not financially viable for the operators and results in an insufficient number of bus routes to meet the growing passenger demand. Consequently, this creates difficulties for residents of nearby towns and villages, who must rely on urban transport within Plovdiv.
"It is clear that the philosophy underpinning public transport is based is no longer working, and what I heard today from all the mayors is that this issue has not been as pressing in previous years. But with the rising costs of fuel and labour, and the lack of drivers, the problem is becoming more serious – and it is the people who suffer, especially when this mode of transport is sometimes their only option" said Grozdan Karadjov.
The Deputy Prime Minister firmly stated that legislative amendments must be introduced to fully resolve the issue. According to him, specific proposals will be submitted to Members of Parliament by the beginning of June. "Together with my colleagues from the Committee on Transport and Communications, we will find a working solution for Plovdiv and the region, as well as for other municipalities facing similar challenges," Karadjov explained.
Grozdan Karadjov also addressed the need to regulate the operation of school buses, which currently transport children without holding the necessary licences. Regarding a proposal by mayors to calculate compensation based on distance in kilometres, Karadjov explained that the fairest approach would be to introduce subsidies based on passenger-kilometres, with the state taking responsibility for ensuring a minimum level of service in smaller settlements, due to the social function of these services.
"I would like to thank Deputy Prime Minister Grozdan Karadjov for responding to my invitation and for joining me in meeting with the mayors from the Plovdiv region," said the Chairman of the Transport Committee in the Parliament, Kiril Dobrev. According to him, the issue of public transport in the Plovdiv region, particularly in smaller and more remote settlements, is of utmost importance. "I am convinced that a lasting solution can only be achieved when all stakeholders – the legislative and executive branches, the regional and local authorities – come together to discuss concrete actions – come together around the table to discuss concrete measures. Today’s meeting is an important step in that direction," Dobrev added.
The Regional Governor of Plovdiv, Hristina Yancheva, committed to the formation of a working group comprising municipal representatives, which will assist in drafting legislative amendments to serve the interests of the citizens of the municipalities of Plovdiv, Maritsa, Rodopi and Sadovo.
