In Bulgaria, over 2 million people (31.7% of the population) are at risk of transport poverty. The statistical estimate of their low transport costs means that they are effectively deprived of transport, according to an analysis by the Za Zemata association. The group of workers (aged 20-64) who travel to their workplace for 30-60 minutes or more is close to 1.3 million people. The problem is particularly noticeable among travelers in rural areas and among women travelers, the analysis says. A significant factor is passenger travel, 85% of which is by private car, 13% by bus, and only 2% by train. The level of air and noise pollution from transport, as well as the high percentage of road accident victims and casualties compared to the EU average, are of significant importance when assessing transport poverty in Bulgaria.
In order to overcome this, the regional development plan for the Eastern Region for the period 2014-2020 included a project study for the construction of a new linear, light rail or other route connecting villages near large cities. The line was supposed to connect Burgas, Varna, and Kavarna and prevent significant local and tourist traffic from motor vehicles in the direction. Nothing has been implemented yet.
Continued – Transport-poor: electric minibuses to villages by 2031.
See: Transport-poor: With a bike in the trunk, 12 km from the sea
