Today, we have no public transport in Sofia. Buses are not running, people cannot get to work, to the doctor, to school. This is not just a strike – it is a consequence. A consequence of long-term neglect, but also a serious discrepancy between requests for reforms and real actions by those who until recently managed Sofia's transport, but in the end saved themselves from responsibility by blocking Sofia.
This was commented on "Facebook" by Diana Rusinova from the European Center for Transport Policies.
Public transport is a social service. It is not a luxury, it is not a political trophy, it is not a tool for propaganda.
People need it every day. And that is why we cannot accept it as normal when the employees who provide this service are called "racketeering" and accused of "terror". This is insulting, irresponsible and shows a deep misunderstanding of the problem.
The European Center for Transport Policies warned a year ago that
a moment is coming when Sofia's public transport may stop.
Not because we want to instill fear, but because the problems were visible – for anyone with eyes to see and reason to listen. Today, this warning is already a fact. Because there was no one to listen. Because those who had power were running away from responsibility and covering up the truth with slogans and pictures on Facebook.
In the last year, the people from the organization "Save Sofia" did not just manage Sofia's transport. They felt infallible – and any criticism of them was met with aggression and personal attacks. I myself was repeatedly subjected to insulting qualifications and manipulative suggestions, just because I had the courage to speak out.
Today, in a moment of serious crisis, these same people do not extend a hand, do not seek a solution. They point fingers.
They blame. They call the strike “arm wringing”, conveniently keeping quiet about the fact that it was they who had the opportunity to make the necessary reforms. But they did not. And today, when the city is literally blocked, they again choose the role of commentators from the sidelines.
The question is simple: which responsible political force, in a moment of tension, chooses to deepen it? Which political force with claims to rule, instead of seeking dialogue, chooses to pour oil on the fire?
It is time for responsibility. Not for slogans. Not for bragging. But for honest conversation and serious decisions.
We will not see them from the political deserters from "Save Sofia", but it is time for all responsible politicians to find solutions for the city together.
We can no longer afford public transport to be held hostage to irresponsibility, indifference and political ego.