Over 40 Million Euros Proposed for Sofia Urban Transport Renewal.

The aim of the measure is the urgent payment of the planned advances under already signed contracts in order to avoid the risk of their termination, the Sofia Municipal Council press centre said.

Deputy mayors Georgi Klisurski and Viktor Chaushev, together with municipal councillors, are proposing an increase in the capital of the municipal company Stolichen Elektrotransport EAD by nearly41.8 million.

The report provides for Sofia Municipality to make a cash contribution through the issuance of new shares, with the funds to be used for advance payments for new trams, trolleybuses and electric buses.

Because there is still no approved state budget for 2026, which is also delaying the adoption of municipal budgets, the financing has so far been postponed. However, the approaching contractual deadlines require the timely provision of payments.

The new rolling stock will allow the municipality to implement Sofia Municipal Council Decision No. 275 of 2026, which provides for the opening of 5 new trolleybus lines and 2 new electric bus lines, the electrification of 6 existing bus lines, the extension of 2 trolleybus lines and improved intervals on two other lines.

This modernisation is of critical importance for Sofia, as currently only 67 of the city’s more than 200 trams are within their standard 30-year service life. The remaining vehicles are depreciated and do not meet modern requirements for low noise levels, air conditioning and accessibility.

The report to the Sofia Municipal Council is expected to be discussed at the July 9 meeting. The agenda has been published on the Council’s website.