Sofia residents can travel on public transport with discounted green tickets priced at just 1 lev today, as part of an initiative to reduce air pollution in the Bulgarian capital.
The measure aims to encourage citizens to opt for public transportation instead of private vehicles, thereby lowering emissions and improving air quality.
In addition to the subsidized tickets, Sofia Municipality has announced that parking in the subway buffer parking lots will be free of charge for the day.
This move is intended to further incentivize commuters to use the metro and other public transport options rather than driving into the city center.
Authorities are taking these measures in response to deteriorating air quality levels, with data from the European Air Quality Index showing high pollution readings in multiple cities across Bulgaria.
Besides Sofia, the cities of Plovdiv, Burgas, Ruse, and Gorna Oryahovitsa have also reported elevated pollution levels.
Health and Safety Precautions Implemented
As a precautionary step, schools and kindergartens in Sofia have been advised to limit outdoor activities for children.
The decision comes amid concerns over the potential health impacts of exposure to polluted air, particularly for young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Speaking on Bulgarian National Television (BNT), Rumyana Galabova from Sofia Municipality provided an update on the air quality situation.
She noted that more than 200,000 green tickets were used during the last activation of this initiative, indicating strong public participation in the effort to combat pollution.
According to monitoring data, the highest pollution levels in Sofia were recorded in the neighborhoods of Pavlovo and Hippodrome, where concentrations reached approximately 90 micrograms per cubic meter. Other monitoring stations in the city reported lower but still concerning values.
Ongoing Efforts to Tackle Pollution
Sofia has long struggled with air pollution, particularly during the winter months when increased vehicle emissions and the burning of solid fuels contribute to poor air quality.
The city has introduced various measures to mitigate pollution levels, including restrictions on industrial emissions, initiatives to promote cleaner heating alternatives, and projects aimed at expanding and modernizing the public transport network.
The introduction of green tickets is one of several periodic measures taken when pollution levels rise significantly. Similar initiatives have been implemented in the past with positive results, as many residents have opted for public transport over personal vehicles on such days.
Environmental experts and advocacy groups have stressed the need for long-term solutions, such as stricter emissions controls, increased green spaces, and continued investment in sustainable transport infrastructure.
While short-term actions like green tickets offer temporary relief, sustained efforts will be required to bring lasting improvements to air quality in Sofia and other affected cities.
As residents take advantage of the discounted fares today, authorities hope that these measures will help reduce pollution levels and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable urban mobility.
Meanwhile, officials continue to monitor air quality and explore further strategies to address this persistent environmental challenge.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members