In a move aimed at accommodating the increasing summer passenger flow, Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) announced a significant boost in train services between Sofia and Burgas.
This decision comes after a crucial meeting involving Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Gvozdeikov, alongside the management teams of “Holding BDZ” EAD and “BDZ-Passenger Transport” EOOD.
Minister Gvozdeikov demanded a thorough investigation into the conditions experienced by passengers on the Friday evening train from Sofia to Burgas.
He expressed his dissatisfaction: “It is unacceptable for passengers to travel under such conditions when they have purchased tickets and someone has not fulfilled their duties.”
Passenger complaints about locked and empty sleeping cars on the train sparked the investigation. BDZ responded, confirming that all seats in those cars were sold and occupied.
The issue stemmed from the non-reserved nature of the train, which stops at unserved stations where passengers buy tickets directly from train staff. This practice prevents ticket purchase restrictions since the conductor lacks a connection to the ticketing system.
To address this issue, BDZ is in the process of equipping trains with electronic devices for ticket sales. Vencislav Slavkov, manager of BDZ-Passenger Transport, assured that these devices would resolve the problem entirely.
Similar devices are already in use on the Sofia-Vidin line, and an additional 140 devices are set for implementation, prioritizing the busiest trains. Effective immediately, BDZ has increased the capacity of the night train from Sofia to Burgas by adding an additional carriage.
This measure is expected to provide much-needed relief for the growing number of passengers. Starting this Friday, two more carriages will be added to the route, and from June 29, another train will depart in the same direction, bringing the total to ten daily trains between the capital and the seaside city.
A new train featuring four newly delivered German passenger rail cars commenced operations today, departing Sofia at 6:40 a.m. and returning in the afternoon. This addition is part of BDZ’s broader strategy to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers and to meet the increasing demand during the summer months.
Slavkov reiterated the commitment to improving passenger services, stating that the gradual implementation of electronic ticket-selling devices will streamline the ticketing process. According to a report from the Ministry of Transport, these devices are currently being tested on the Sofia-Vidin line.
The additional 140 devices scheduled for rollout will focus on the busiest trains in the country, ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly ticketing system.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications, along with BDZ management, is keenly aware of the critical role of the railway system in connecting major cities and regions in Bulgaria.
The recent enhancements reflect their commitment to providing a reliable, comfortable, and efficient mode of transportation for both residents and tourists.
With the added capacity and the introduction of modern ticketing technology, BDZ aims to alleviate the challenges faced by passengers and enhance the overall travel experience.
The ongoing improvements signal a positive shift in the country’s railway services, promising a more enjoyable and hassle-free journey for all travelers.
As summer progresses, passengers can look forward to more frequent and comfortable train services between Sofia and Burgas, marking a significant step forward in Bulgaria’s railway infrastructure and service quality.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members