“Citizens must receive compensation in case of force majeure interruptions of public transport.“ This was stated by "Save Sofia" today in response to the unprecedented transport blockade in Sofia between May 14 and 19, 2025, when all ground public transport stopped for six days. After Mayor Terziev announced that ways would be sought for travelers with public transport cards to be compensated for the period in which the service was suspended, municipal councilors Boris Bonev, Gergin Borisov and Hristo Koparanov submitted a report with specific proposals for changes to the Regulation on Travel by Public Transport.
“The goal is clear – The Center for Urban Mobility should have mechanisms for compensating passengers with long-term transport documents when the service is suspended“, explained Gergin Borisov – member of the Committee on Transport and Road Safety.
The proposal is that in the event of force majeure suspension of the service, when replacement transport is not provided, holders of long-term transport documents at regular and preferential rates should choose how to be compensated. “There will be two clear forms of compensation – deduction from the cost of the transport service for a future period or extension of the validity period of the card by the number of days in which the transport was not functioning”, explains the chairman of the party Boris Bonev.
"Save Sofia" also offers the option for the compensation to be applied automatically, following an order of the executive director of the Center for Urban Mobility (CGM) or by a decision of the Sofia Municipal Council, without the need for additional documents and forms from citizens. “Thus, in the event of serious service disruptions – as was the case over the last six days, passengers will not have to fill out applications“, explains Adv. Koparanov.
The new text stipulates that the establishment of force majeure circumstances will be carried out ex officio by the CGM, with no evidence required from citizens. Additionally, it regulates the submission of applications online or at the cash desk, with minimal effort on the part of those affected.
““Urban Mobility Center“ EAD, by selling cards, practically concludes a contract with citizens. The lack of a procedure for compensation for non-provided service creates a risk of legal claims and legal costs, which may burden the company's budget“, adds Adv. Koparanov.
“Save Sofia“ expects the Sofia Municipal Council – as the principal of transport operators – will accept the proposals to ensure fair treatment of passengers and avoid future dissatisfaction and chaos in similar crises.