The development of a new law to unite the railway and road passenger transport into a single system is in an advanced stage. This was announced by Dimitar Nedyalkov, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, during a discussion on “Bulgaria towards accessible, competitive and sustainable mobility.” The event was attended by Irene Plank, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bulgaria. The forum was organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria and the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Deputy Minister Nedyalkov highlighted that the integration of railway and road passenger transport will create a more efficient and convenient transport system. This can be achieved by coordinating schedules and ensuring easy transfers between the two modes of transport. Integration could reduce congestion and improve accessibility to remote areas.
“With the adoption of the law, a common National Transport Scheme will be prepared and local authorities should develop transport plans at the regional and municipal level, which must be synchronised with the national strategy. This will ensure clear regulation of the planning and management of public transport in Bulgaria and it will guarantee equal treatment between clients, operators and passengers,” noted Dimitar Nedyalkov.
The Deputy Minister explained that passengers will be provided with service along the entire route, regardless of how many transfers are required. Carriers, in turn, should be able to manage their fleet and related costs more efficiently, depending on the number of passengers. The state, for its part, will plan the costs for subsidising the service in an improved manner.
