A single electronic ticket for train, bus, plane and water transport. This is provided for in the new Public Transport Act, which the Ministry of Transport has already released for public discussion.
The system will be open and compatible with all operators, using modern standards and interfaces for validation, verification and revenue distribution. Each ticket will be issued in electronic form and will facilitate travel "from door to door", eliminating the need for multiple separate tickets. It creates for the first time a comprehensive legal framework for planning, management, commissioning, financing, digitalization and control of public transport.
"With this law, for the first time, we are introducing a national transport scheme, a single electronic ticket, clear rules for commissioning and financing public transport, and quality standards. The goal is simple – convenient, connected, accessible and predictable transport for all citizens", explained Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov.
The law will introduce a National Transport Scheme, which integrates and coordinates the schedules of different modes of transport to ensure minimal waiting time.
There will be a regular update of the scheme, through which at least three transport connections will be provided daily for each settlement.
A National Access Point is also being created - a unified electronic system that collects and provides up-to-date information on public transport. It will work according to European standards and will give citizens easy access to schedules, routes and connections. Every carrier and operator will be obliged to provide and update their data free of charge in order to ensure reliable travel planning.
An Intelligent Public Transport Management System is being introduced, which includes the National Transport Model and the National System for a Single Transport Document. Through this system, the state and municipalities will have real-time information on traffic, manage the scheme, monitor the implementation of contracts and calculate subsidies and compensation fairly. All institutions that conclude public transport contracts will have the obligation to submit data to the system within 7 days.
Along with the single ticket, the law also introduces a mechanism for fair distribution of revenues between carriers - a clearing system. It will process data from ticket sales and automatically calculate the share of each operator - rail, bus, air or water.