Today, Sofia missed an opportunity to apply for 141 million euros of European funding under the “Environment” Program, intended for investments in new electric transport and modernization of the urban transport system. This was announced by Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev on the occasion of the postponement of a report on 24 changes to the city's transport network in the Sofia Municipal Council's transport committee, which envisages new trolleybus lines, better connections between neighborhoods, fewer transfers and more reliable public transport for citizens.
The proposal for postponement was made by municipal councilor Andrey Zografski („Save Sofia“) and supported by the councilors from the economic majority in the committee, led by Ivan Takov (BSP).
„Sofia had the opportunity to take the next step towards modernizing transport – with new electric rolling stock and a better transport network. Instead, the report was postponed without any arguments on the merits,“ said Terziev.
As an argument for the postponement, it was stated that the municipal councilors did not have time to familiarize themselves with the document. According to Terziev, however, the report was submitted to the SOS and distributed to the committees four days before the meeting, according to the established procedure.
The proposals include 24 changes to the transport network, which aim at new trolleybus lines, better direct connections between neighborhoods, fewer transfers, more reliable urban transport and wider use of electric vehicles. They are related to investments in new rolling stock, including 75 new trolleybuses and 50 electric buses, as well as the possibility of Sofia applying for 141 million euros in European funding for the development of electric transport.
The mayor stressed that improving transport requires systemic solutions and a long-term policy. In recent months alone, the Sofia Municipality has taken several key steps to modernize the system – expansion of the bus network with over 40 km of new routes, launch of market consultations for the supply and maintenance of 130 new trams, as well as preparation for solving the problem with the tram route on Blvd. “Gen. M. D. Skobelev“.
“Sofia's transport will not improve with scandals and suggestions. It will improve with investments, planning and consistent policy“, Terziev pointed out and called on the municipal councilors to support the consideration of the report at the next opportunity.
“Sofia needs better transport, not blocking decisions. I hope that next time we will see more responsibility towards the city and towards the people who rely on this system every day“, the mayor added.