Caretaker Government Allocates 18 Million Euros to Support Bus Operators

The caretaker government has allocated 18 million euros to support bus carriers on intercity lines. This was announced at a briefing at the Council of Ministers by the caretaker Minister of Transport Korman Ismailov.

He recalled that about ten days ago, measures were adopted to subsidize transport in large municipalities. Ismailov clarified that the measures do not include unprofitable lines to small settlements, as they are subsidized annually by the state and double financing cannot be allowed. The funds will reach directly to the municipalities, which are the contracting authorities for transport services on bus lines from approved transport schemes, said the transport minister. He said that the distribution will be based on up-to-date information on municipalities and planned mileage for this year.

With this measure, the closure of routes and a sharp increase in ticket and pass prices are prevented, emphasized Korman Ismailov. In order to prevent speculative price increases despite subsidization, a mechanism for monitoring prices and preventing overcompensation has been introduced, which is also prohibited by European legislation, he added. Ismailov emphasized that Bulgaria is a market economy, every carrier has the right to adjust its prices, but must keep in mind that in case of unjustified increase, the amount of the aid provided will be reduced.