Sofia is taking a key step in the modernization of public transport with a tender for 20 new low-floor and air-conditioned trams. They will be designed to serve lines such as 3, 10 and 15, providing more convenient and affordable environmentally friendly transport for thousands of Sofia residents, especially for those living in "Lozenets", "Zapaden Park" and "Zaharna Fabrika". The new trams will be completely low-floor and boarding and alighting will be easier and more convenient for all passengers – including for people with reduced mobility, parents with strollers and senior citizens. The trams will be equipped with a modern air conditioning system that will provide comfort in all seasons - both for the drivers and the passengers.
„The measure is part of our ambitious program for the modernization of ground transport, which has been neglected for decades. Tram transport plays a key role in mobility in Sofia, and at the same time its modernization is seriously overdue. The new trams will provide a more comfortable, accessible and pleasant journey for citizens“ – said Andrey Zografski, Deputy Chairman of the Transport Committee of the Sofia Municipal Council.
The trams will be between 19 and 24 meters long, which will allow for efficient service of less busy lines, which are currently served by old trams that are more than 30 years old. In addition to the comfort for passengers, the new trams will also provide better working conditions for the drivers – the cabins will be ergonomic, air-conditioned and equipped with modern control and safety technologies.
The total value of the investment is 80 million leva, and it is part of the long-term strategy for the renewal of public transport vehicles. We recall that last year, PP-DB and "Spasi Sofia" presented a program for over 1 billion leva of investments in new trams, trolleybuses and buses.
„The 20 new railcars are part of our program for the complete renewal of public transport with modern buses, trolleybuses and trams. In the coming years, 100 new trams, 75 modern trolleybuses and over 250 buses will gradually arrive in Sofia. We are actively working to ensure that Sofia's public transport is comfortable, fast and regular, so that it attracts more and more passengers.“ — added Deputy Mayor for Transport Eng. Iliyan Pavlov.
In parallel with the purchase of modern vehicles, the authorities are also announcing a large-scale program for the repair of key streets and boulevards along which trams run. “In 2025, the key boulevards Aleksandar Stamboliyski and Kn. Maria Luiza are to be repaired, as well as the construction of Copenhagen Blvd. All of them are extremely important not only for tram transport, but also for cars and the city's connectivity. We are committed to limiting tram routes everywhere, so that the trains can move faster and without interfering with cars, with convenient stops and road safety measures being provided.” - said Boris Bonev, leader of Spasi Sofia.
According to him, work is also underway on the next major projects for the city - a complete renovation of "Hristo Botev" Blvd., the transformation of "James Boucher" Blvd. into the first green boulevard in the capital, as well as the renovation of key streets with tram routes in "Lyulin", "Obelya" and "Iliyantsi".