Measures have been taken to prevent future train accidents. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Hristo Alexiev during a hearing in the National Assembly in the Committee on Transport and Communications.
"More control checks of the operating personnel and the technical condition of the rolling stock by the locomotive instructors and by experts of the the headquarters of the authority are underway", Deputy Prime Minister Alexiev said. He emphasized that an extraordinary briefing of the employees is taking place and that the volume and time for inspections of electrical measuring devices and fire alarm installation of the locomotives had been increased.
By order of Hristo Alexiev, checks are being carried out on the circuits for protection and measurement of electrical energy, as well as on the condition of cables, busbars and strengthening elements for locomotive engines. In the shortest possible time, modern equipment will be delivered, and namely thermal imaging cameras for diagnostics of the loads in the electrical systems. About 14 procedures for maintenance, spare parts or rolling stock repair are currently announced.
Alexiev expressed certainty that by the end of 2023, a consistent analysis of the financial profitability of each train, route and line would be carried out. "We have set out to develop a completely new commercial tariff for the transportation of passengers in terms of sales, pricing policy, offering additional discounts and others," he added.
He added that work was being done to implement a "commercial" schedule for the running of trains according to criteria related to the elimination of additional stops. This means diverting carriages from sparsely booked trains to busy lines and routes. An important measure is to increase seasonal long-distance trains and prioritize the running of passenger trains.
Regarding the procedure for new rolling stock, Hristo Alexiev announced that it has been prepared and sent for approval, review and notification by the European Commission. "We are following all the steps and have added a segment for the maintenance of the new trains because this is of utmost importance given their profitability", he added.