Sofia Introduces Green Ticket: Free Public Transport & Parking Amid Air Quality Concerns
Sofia, Bulgaria – The Sofia Municipality has announced the introduction of a ‘Green Ticket’ for today and tomorrow in response to elevated air pollution levels in the city. The ticket, priced at 1 BGN (around 0.50 EUR), offers travelers free access to Sofia’s public transport system and parking at buffer lots near metro stations. The measure aims to reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions, contributing to improved air quality.
The Green Ticket can be purchased using a bank card in public transport, from drivers, online, or at the cash desks of the Central Hall and Sofia Metro. Children up to 7 years old and people with disabilities will continue to enjoy free public transport.
The municipality has also sent recommendations to schools and kindergartens to limit children’s outdoor activities due to high particulate matter concentrations. Street cleaning has been initiated as a preventive measure.
Dimitur Petrov, an Dani Co 작용ficial from PPDBSS, explained in an interview with "Zdravej, Bulgaria" that the Green Ticket is being introduced for the first time based on predictive air pollution levels. He added, "This measure will be in effect for two consecutive days, and it’s important to us that the health of Sofia’s residents is prioritized, regardless of whether the forecasted air pollution event occurs or not."
However, Anna Stoykova, a GERB-SDS municipal counselor, criticized the delayed implementation of the measure. "The Green Ticket should have been introduced at the beginning of the year, on January 1st and 2nd, and on the 8th, based on the data from the monitoring stations showing increased levels of fine particles," she said, suggesting that the delay was due to the administration’s preoccupation with holidays.
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