We buy buses according to the criteria set by the Municipal Council. The allegations of an inflated price and the existence of a “scandal“ are tendentiously speculative and, once again, more than unreliable. Last but not least, Mr. Simeon Stavrev, as well as other members of the Municipal Council, should already know that there is a difference between being a public transport operator and acquiring a car for personal use that you liked on an internet ad.
This is stated in an official position to the media by the executive director of “Stolichne Autotransport“ Stilyan Manolov.
Last but not least: the buses we will receive are not the ones distributed by the said member of the Sofia Municipal Council. On the other hand, “Stolichne avtomobil“ has no mechanisms to influence the pricing policy of any of our counterparties. The prices at which our supplier will purchase buses are also unclear to us, Stiliyan Manolov specified.
Here is the entire position:
Dear media representatives,
Information is circulating in various publications today regarding the buses that are about to be acquired by “Stolichne Autotransit“
The claims of an inflated price and the existence of a “scandal“ are tendentiously speculative and, once again, more than unreliable.
The facts – such as they are:
On 27.06.2024, the Sofia Municipal Council decided “Stolichne Autotransit“ to conduct a procedure for the supply of 25 18-meter buses with a minimum environmental standard of Euro V. The requirement thus set makes it possible to offer buses manufactured in the period 2008-2014, when this environmental standard was in force.
In order to encourage the supply of newer buses, we have set more points in the rules of the procedure for vehicles with a more recent year of production.
It should also be borne in mind that the Company is conducting a procedure according to the budget previously limited by the SOS.
again, in accordance with decision 274/27.06.2024, the SOS allows for the offer of buses with a minimum environmental standard of Euro V, i.e. at least 2008. The average mileage of buses in Sofia, for example, is 60,000 km. That is why such buses have a minimum mileage of 700,000 km.
In order to encourage the delivery of buses with lower mileage, we have set more points for vehicles with fewer kilometers in the rules of the procedure.
Last but not least, Mr. Simeon Stavrev, as well as other members of the Municipal Council, should already know that there is a difference between being a public transport operator and acquiring a car you liked on an internet ad for personal use.
In addition to the delivery itself, the buses should be equipped with 5 video surveillance cameras, a monitor and a DVR with 1 terabyte of memory, security systems, including an automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment and an information system that meets the requirements of the Central Transport Authority (including: information boards using LED or MONO-LCD technology).
Last but not least: the buses we will receive are not the ones that distributed by the said member of the Sofia Municipal Council. On the other hand, “Stolich Autotransport“ has no mechanisms to influence the pricing policy of any of our counterparties. The prices at which our supplier will purchase buses are also not clear to us.
My job as executive director is to make sure that we purchase vehicles that meet the criteria, are affordable and efficient and do not compromise safety. I guarantee this.
The claims that through direct negotiations I can achieve better conditions show a blatant ignorance of what the law allows and what – not. As an executive director, I am strictly guided by the principles of legality.
To date, the Company has not received its full due from the Sofia Municipality. And when will the citizens of Sofia and the guests of the city enjoy brand new buses – This is a question whose answer is: when financial resources are secured.
Stilyan Manolov
Executive Director of “Stolich Autotrans“