After the brutal tram accident in Sofia, in which miraculously there were no casualties, the management of Sofia Electric Transport decided to hold an extraordinary briefing with all tram drivers. This became clear after an extraordinary meeting of the transport committee of the Sofia Municipal Council.
The incident occurred after the train was moved by external intervention through the window, while the tram driver stopped to get a coffee. Records and testimonies have proven that this was done by a 22-year-old drunk man.
Stolich Electric Transport does not deny the guilt of the tram driver, who, despite his 30 years of experience, has committed several violations – unregulated stopping, failure to secure the blocking device and a window left open through which the tram was driven.
"Every year, between 400 and 5,000 traffic accidents occur in the electric transport system, 70-80 of which are the fault of the drivers," commented Evgeni Ganchev, executive director of "Stolich Elektrotransport".
According to Andrey Zografski from "Spasi Sofia" this case reveals deeper problems: "This is undoubtedly the most dangerous situation with an accident in public transport in recent years. Here we have systemic problems beyond the issue of personal responsibility". He pointed out that the reconstruction of the railway is happening too slowly, the working conditions are not good, and the fleet is outdated.
"The purchase of 60-70 new railcars with an investment loan is expected, we expect traffic on it", added Zografski.
Ivan Takov from the Bulgarian Socialist Party specified that they expect a specific plan with measures from "Stolich Elektrotransport" for the next meeting of the relevant transport commission.
In other news, the paid hourly parking zones in Sofia will not work on September 6 - Unification Day, as well as on the next two weekends, September 7 and 8, the Sofia Municipality announced.