The National Taxi Union has submitted an official request to the Sofia Municipality for an increase in the price of taxi services in Sofia. Carriers insist that the minimum daily fare be increased to 1.74 leva per kilometer, and the night fare to reach 2 leva per kilometer. According to the industry, this is necessary due to the fact that prices have not been updated for three years, despite the legal provision that this should happen at least once a year, NOVA reported.
► The arguments for higher prices
According to Kiril Kirilov, deputy chairman of the NTS, the request is based on a detailed economic analysis submitted to the municipality. One of the main reasons is the significant increase in labor costs. Since the last price update in 2022, the minimum wage, on which social security contributions are calculated, has increased by 52%. “Then the contributions were 222 leva on 710 leva, and now they are 337 leva on 1077 leva“, explained Kirilov.
In addition, the calculation also includes increased depreciation costs for cars, the prices of which have risen by about 40%. Kirilov emphasized that the request for an update has no connection with Bulgaria's upcoming entry into the eurozone, but is dictated by the legal requirement and economic reality. "We are literally working at a loss right now," he said, adding that many drivers have given up the profession because of the low prices.
► How will it affect passengers?
The increase of about 50 stotinki per kilometer will affect the final bill of customers. For a sample route of 10 kilometers, which currently costs about 15 leva, the price after the increase will increase by 5 leva and will become 20 leva. The union specifies that about 80-85% of the trips in Sofia are short-distance, which means that longer routes will become more expensive.
► Readiness for protests
The National Taxi Union is categorical that if their demands are not heard and the tariffs are not updated, they are ready to move on to protest actions to protect their interests. They insist that the Sofia Municipal Council fulfill its legal obligation and update the prices, as was done before.