Four new inter-village bus routes planned in Sadovo municipality

Four new inter-village bus routes and another route within the town are included in a proposed revision of the transport network in Sadovo municipality in Plovdiv region. The aim is to address long-standing problems caused by the lack of regular public transport between the settlements and the municipal centre and to improve connectivity for local residents, mayor Dimitar Zdravkov said.

“We are trying to solve problems and meet people’s needs. Then we will try to build on this together with the other municipalities in the region,” Zdravkov said.

For years, public transport links between settlements in the municipality have been disrupted.

“For more than 10 years there has been no organised transport between Sadovo, Seltsi, Boliartsi, Katunitsa and Milevo. That is why we decided we needed to restore a service that is urgently needed,” the mayor said.

According to him, maintaining this type of social service presents financial difficulties because public transport in small municipalities cannot easily be sustained on market principles alone.

“There is no way it can work without state intervention. When the state stands aside, municipalities are the ones that suffer when it comes to transport,” Zdravkov said, arguing that providing such a service has been a responsibility the state has owed the public for years.

Sadovo municipality therefore plans to apply for state subsidies to help operate the new routes, including financial support for reduced fares for pupils, pensioners and people with disabilities.

Four routes to the villages

The administration is planning four inter-village routes serving Boliartsi, Katunitsa, Milevo and Seltsi.

The routes would connect residents with the municipal centre, Sadovo, through which one of Bulgaria’s key railway lines – Sofia–Plovdiv–Svilengrad – also passes.

This would give local residents access to Plovdiv and connections to the wider country.

More than 5,000 people, around one-third of the municipality’s population, are expected to benefit from the improved transport service.

“We want to bring back to life what has been allowed to disappear over the years,” Zdravkov said, adding that the municipality ultimately hopes to establish links with neighbouring municipalities and the regional centre.

Although there has been stated support from the state, the local authorities remain cautious.

“There are promises from the state, but people are waiting for real action,” the mayor said.

According to him, if the necessary procedures go smoothly, the new transport network could become operational within three to four months.

Residents hope for a return of regular buses

People in the smaller settlements have welcomed the proposal.

A resident of Boliartsi said the lack of public transport makes everyday life difficult.

“For a doctor, for shopping, for everything, we have to find someone to drive us. If buses start running, it will be a huge relief for all of us,” she said.

Georgi, a resident of Katunitsa, expressed a similar view.

“Young people travel to Plovdiv, and pupils also have to rely on cars. Without regular public transport it is very difficult. We hope it happens this time. Hopefully, after the elections, the authorities will pay attention to us,” he said.

Subsidies for eligible passengers

The approval of the new bus routes as part of the municipal transport network would allow Sadovo municipality to apply for compensation from the national budget for free or heavily discounted travel for eligible passengers.

These categories include children up to the age of 14, students, pensioners and people with disabilities. Subsidies would also be available for the new urban bus route.

The draft transport network has been published for public consultation. Residents and organisations can submit proposals and objections until 15 May.

The municipality says active public participation is important for creating a functioning and sustainable public transport model.