Passenger transport in our country is currently operating at a loss. Ticket prices have not been touched for years.
Due to the large increase in fuel prices, the companies will ask the state to create a mechanism for them to be compensated. For now, no increase in tickets for intercity lines or suspension of the service is expected.
Fuel prices are up to 1.50 euros per liter, and experts predict an increase of up to 30%.
Teodora Veleva, marketing director of a passenger transport and excursion company: "It can be said categorically that we are already operating at a loss. The increase in fuel prices does not affect ticket prices, since this transport is regulated in accordance with the law on public procurement, that is, we operate at prices that we announced several years ago. I believe neither the transport companies nor the state want these prices to be increased."
So that consumers do not pay more, passenger transport companies will demand compensation from the state. The last time there were such incidents was at the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Teodora Veleva, marketing director of a company for passenger transport and excursions: "I really hope, like all other carriers that deal with passenger transport, that compensation for carriers will be considered, because in fact the entire financial burden is currently on us."
Nikolay Nikolov, carrier: "Transportation should be subsidized, because in my opinion things will get worse and passengers are getting fewer day by day."
In addition to intercity carriers, taxi drivers are also experiencing difficulties, and they are noticing an outflow of customers.
Slavcho, taxi driver: "Very bad, first with the euro, second with fuel, prices…"
Atanas, taxi driver: "People have no money and no jobs, that's it!"
The Union of International Carriers also warned of the risk of bankruptcies in the transport sector. They urged the state to adopt urgent national mechanisms to compensate for the extraordinary increase in fuel costs. They also want accelerated access to targeted programs, guarantees and low-interest loans. They also insist that actions be coordinated at the European level.