BGN 182 million from the Regional Development Programme will be invested in cleaner, safer and affordable urban transport

The funds are for projects of 7 Bulgarian municipalities

The implementation of strategic projects that will provide modern, modern and environmentally friendly transport for citizens in seven Bulgarian municipalities begins. Contracts have already been concluded for them. BGN 182 million from the 2021-2027 Development of Regions Programme will be invested in cleaner, safer and affordable public transport in the municipalities of Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, Blagoevgrad, Plovdiv, Vidin and Ruse. The funding will ensure better connectivity, cleaner air, safer roads, better quality and affordable transport services for just over 1 million citizens. As a result, up to 30% reduction in emissions from urban transport is expected. Project activities include measures to improve and increase ecological urban and interurban public transport, charging stations, building intelligent transport systems and improving road safety through repair and reconstruction of road sections and construction of new streets, road connections to relieve traffic, etc.

New electric buses and charging stations will replace outdated rolling stock and reduce harmful emissions in the municipalities of Pleven, Plovdiv, Ruse, Varna and Vidin. Residents, including disadvantaged people, will move more comfortably and enjoy quieter public transport and cleaner air.

To increase traffic safety and reduce congestion will contribute to the project modernisation of intelligent transport systems, video surveillance and reconstruction of key arteries. Hundreds of bus stops will be renovated in Pleven and Ruse, a new pedestrian connection between the center and the quarter will be built in Blagoevgrad. Varosha and in Veliko Tarnovo three new multi-storey car parks to ease traffic in the central areas.

The panoramic road Varna-Golden Sands will be restored, which will solve the long-standing infrastructure problem in the municipality of Varna. As a result, access to tourist areas will be improved and the economic development of the north-eastern part of the city will be stimulated. In Plovdiv, the already built traffic management systems will be upgraded, providing priority for public transport and increasing energy efficiency.

The projects of the seven municipalities are part of the strategic operations under the 2021-2027 Development of Regions Programme aimed at the integrated and sustainable development of urban areas. Their implementation is another step towards greener, more modern and more accessible Bulgarian cities, and the funds are an investment in a better quality of life, connectivity and development of the regions, a safer and smarter urban environment and modern public transport.