BDZ changes the prices of train tickets. We will feel the increase in prices immediately after Easter, and on average the price of tickets and cards will jump by about 20%. The cards for pupils, students and pensioners, which have a symbolic value of BGN 1.00, remain unchanged.
The decision for the increase in BDZ comes because of the higher prices of fuel, electricity and insurance. Thus, if the ticket from Vidin to Sofia currently costs BGN 14, from May 7 it will cost BGN 16 and 40 cents. This is what we were told by the information at the train station in Vidin.
What is driving up prices? This is one of the questions that Radio VIDIN asked in an official letter to BDZ. Here’s what they answered:
“The main reason for the increase in the prices of train travel tickets is related to the drastic increase in the costs of the company in the last few years. The national railway carrier has not changed its prices since the beginning of 2012, except for a one-time indexation in 2020 . by 1.8%. Only for the period from 2021 to the end of 2023, the company’s expenses increased by 23.2%. This includes increases in the basic costs of fuel, electricity and employee remuneration. , that BDZ is one of the largest employers in the country. According to data from the National Statistical Institute, the inflation index for the period 2021 – 2023 is 31.9%.”
Ventsislav Slavkov told one of the national televisions that the BDZ online system also has loopholes. What are they and do they affect passengers?
“The current online booking and ticketing system has limited functionality, which does not allow passengers to purchase tickets for travel on international trains, as well as to use other additional fare options, such as the purchase of a bicycle ticket can only be done at the ticket office.
In terms of the most used functionalities, there are no inconveniences for travelers. Rather, they are related to entirely internal company processes that concern accountability and the lack of a centralized model for its improvement. For this reason, a procedure has been announced to build a new ticketing system with more functionalities, which will increase the options for providing opportunities to purchase tickets and will significantly facilitate the reporting process.”
What should the passengers educate themselves in order to facilitate both themselves and BDZ?
“The most important thing that travelers should instill in themselves is that they should treat public property as their own. Unfortunately, many travelers still do not keep, pollute and break. In case they learn to keep the public as their own, this will significantly facilitate the maintenance of the rolling stock and improve the conditions of the offered service.”
“The increase with an average of 20% comes into effect from May 7, 2024. The prices of the “Child”, “Learner”, “Family”, “TPL” and “Adult” railway cards, which have a symbolic value of 1, will remain unchanged. BGN 00
The national rail carrier has not changed its prices since the beginning of 2012, except for indexation in 2020 by 1.8%. Only for the period from 2021 to the end of 2023, the company’s expenses increased by 23.2%. This includes increases in the basic costs of fuel, electricity and employee wages, given that BDZ is one of the largest employers in the country. According to data from the National Statistical Institute, the inflation index for the period 2021 – 2023 is 31.9%. This is the reason why the national rail carrier has updated its prices in line with the increased costs.
Ticket prices for train travel will be increased by an average of 20% depending on the type of travel document. The prices for booking a reserved seat and a place to travel in a sleeper and couchette car are also updated. There will also be an increase in subscription cards and the “Classic” and “Youth” cards. They give the right to a 50% discount on the price of a ticket for travel in the second class of passenger and high-speed trains for an unlimited number of trips for one year from the date of issue of the card.”
Do the beginners know about the increase in tickets and do they find the upcoming change in prices for transportation with BDZ justified?
“I know, they are increasing the price from May 7th…to make the bus service better, to make it more convenient for passengers…From May 7th, yes. I have a card, I travel at half price. They said there will be an increase and on her, I don’t know how much, we’ll see. Now I’m paying BGN 7. I’m a pensioner for sickness. I don’t know if it will affect us as well, they say , that the trains are dirty, unhygienic, that’s why they didn’t make any increases in the tickets. I can justify them somewhat, but the price is not so high. For now, if they improve, it’s good. but otherwise… It’s dirty, no hygiene. Doors, windows don’t close, trains are very old… I know, I don’t have a problem …”
The prices for booking a reserved seat and a place to travel in a sleeper and couchette car are also updated. The transportation of children up to 7 years of age will be carried out free of charge upon presentation of a document certifying the age of the child and mandatory issuance of a ticket with zero value. When traveling with a sleeping car and using a separate bed, there is no need to pay half the price of the ticket for children up to 7 years of age, the railway company specifies.
