Free Public transport rides for children under 14 starting February 2024

“Minister of Transport and Communications Allocates 330 Million from 2024 State Budget to Enhance Travel Accessibility”

Sofia, Bulgaria: In a landmark decision poised to redefine travel accessibility across Bulgaria, the Council of Ministers has announced substantial changes to public transport subsidies. 

Georgi Gvozdeykov, the Minister of Transport and Communications, unveiled these transformative revisions during a press conference, shedding light on a significant allocation of nearly 330 million from the 2024 state budget dedicated to public transport services.

The heart of these changes lies in a robust financial commitment, with Gvozdeykov emphasizing a substantial allocation of BGN 141 million for public transport discounts and BGN 188 million for interurban transport subsidies. 

This unprecedented investment signals a decisive move toward enhancing the affordability and availability of public transportation for citizens across the country.

A groundbreaking shift in policy is set to take effect on February 1, 2024, as public transport services will become free for children under 14, a notable extension from the current provision catering to children under 7. 

Minister Gvozdeykov, while making the announcement, expressed the government’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and accessible transportation system for the younger generation.

Beyond this, Gvozdeykov outlined additional alterations to travel discounts, stating, “Children aged 7 to 14 will now benefit from a 50% discount on interurban transport, expanding the previous range that only applied to children aged 7 to 10.” 

This move reflects a thoughtful consideration for families with older children, promoting a cost-effective means of travel for a wider demographic. 

Moreover, pensioners and students are in for a significant boost, with a 50% increase in the obligatory discount for regular ticket prices on both public and interurban bus services. 

This substantial rise replaces the previous range of discounts, which varied between 20% and 30% based on travel type and category.

The sweeping reforms don’t stop there, as the new regulations introduce an expanded group eligible for discounts. Individuals with disabilities and a reduced work capacity of up to 70% will now enjoy a minimum discount of 25% on travel expenses. 

This move acknowledges the diverse needs of citizens and takes a step toward making public transport more inclusive and accommodating for everyone.

All these transformative amendments are set to come into effect on February 1, 2024, marking a progressive leap toward a more inclusive and accessible public transportation system in Bulgaria. 

As citizens eagerly anticipate the positive impact of these changes on their daily lives, the reforms stand as a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a transportation infrastructure that prioritizes affordability, inclusivity, and convenience for all. 

The Council of Ministers’ bold decision is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the nation’s approach to public transport, setting a new standard for accessibility and ushering in a transportation revolution.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members