Sofia Without Ground Transport for a Third Day — Drivers Extend Protest

For the third consecutive day, Sofia’s above-ground public transport is at a standstill. No buses, trams, or trolleybuses are running. The metro system remains operational, with additional trains and shorter waiting times.

The disruption stems from failed negotiations between transport unions and the city government regarding pay raises. Although unions offered to reduce their demand from 400 to 300 BGN, no agreement was reached.

Drivers from the “Zemlyane” depot have launched a petition for an indefinite strike. Protesters expressed distrust in the offered bonuses, citing fears they would never materialize. Some report working up to 26 days per month for just over 2,000 BGN.

They also argue that bonuses are tied to keeping strict route schedules, which is unrealistic due to traffic and passenger load.

Mayor Vasil Terziev proposed two solutions: either a base salary raise of 180 BGN, or a 100 BGN raise with double bonuses for performance.

After over three hours of talks with the municipality, workers chose to continue their civil disobedience.

According to traffic police, morning traffic in the capital is heavy but typical for a rainy weekday.