The "Skoda" trains that are already in operation are not following their schedules due to technical issues, stated Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Peev. "At the same time, technical reliability is our top priority. Every morning, I receive a report on the condition of the rolling stock. Currently, six of the operational Skoda trains are off-schedule due to technical reasons. This is a problem that must be resolved quickly," the Minister emphasized. He made these statements during a conversation with the company's CEO, Petr Novotny, according to the ministry's press center.

Despite the current difficulties, Bulgaria is showing interest in future deliveries from "Skoda Group," provided that the company resolves the issues with the units already delivered. During the meeting, prospects for partnership regarding the renewal of the country's railway fleet were discussed. Minister Peev expressed his desire to modernize the rolling stock within the next 5–10 years, adding that future cooperation with the Czech manufacturer is only possible if high standards of quality and reliability are strictly maintained.

Representatives of "Skoda Group" are present in Bulgaria as part of the delegation accompanying Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš during his official visit. Regarding the work performed so far, Georgi Peev noted that Bulgaria appreciates the timely fulfillment of the commitment to produce and deliver the new rolling stock. This fact has been key to fulfilling the country's obligations under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Issues with the reliability of new trains could affect the quality and regularity of rail transport throughout the country, including the Burgas region.

For reference, all 20 new Skoda trains began regular service on the country's railway network on August 20 of this year. The contract for the delivery of these twenty trainsets was signed in early September 2024 in the Granite Hall of the Council of Ministers.