I expect every sector to reach agreement on a common, realistic plan with a specific timeline for implementation on these issues. This was stated by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Georgi Peev, at two consecutive meetings with representatives of taxi organisations and driving schools. Deputy Minister Hristina Velinova and the Director of the Road Transport Administration, Boyko Ranovski, participated in the discussions.
At the meeting with the taxi sector, Minister Peev emphasised that he expects clearly formulated and unified proposals from the industry. "You are an important part of the transport services. Sometimes you are not united in your positions, but two different solutions cannot be applied to the same problem," he stated. Taxi organisations raised unregulated transport services—which are primarily carried out using passenger cars—as a key issue and insisted on legislative changes to ensure more effective control and real criminal liability for repeat offenders. Other issues were also discussed that, according to the participants, create difficulties for the sector.
During the meeting with industry organisations involved in the training of driver candidates, Minister Peev emphasised the need to modernise the process. "You all support digitisation, but the system must operate seamlessly and according to clear standards so as not to hinder the instructors," he noted. The industry raised questions regarding the updating of the curriculum and the improvement of the e-learning system. The Minister confirmed that certain representatives from the industry could participate in drafting the regulatory framework.
At both meetings, Minister Peev stated that he expects industry organisations to present a joint proposal covering several urgent issues on which there is consensus, as well as specific deadlines for implementation. "The goal is to build an effective system that works in the interest of the sector and society, without giving preference to individual positions," he emphasised.
Early last week, the Minister also held meetings with representatives of bus and freight carriers. Discussions with the other sectors of transport and communications are forthcoming.
