In the reasons for the report, it is recalled that due to numerous signals received from citizens to improve the transport service, actions were taken to change the transport scheme, and with a decision of September 19, 2023 of the Municipal Council, changes to a new municipal transport scheme were approved , some of them entered into force immediately, but for others, it was decided to enter into force from 01.05.2024.
Katya Petkova – acting manager of “City Transport Dobrich” has informed that the entry into force of the changes in the route schedules from May 1 of this year until the end of 2024 will lead to an increase in mileage by 598,590 km. In addition, the implementation of the changes will require a total of 46 vehicles on weekdays with 92 drivers respectively, which will increase the negative financial effect of the company.
At the commission’s meeting today, Petkova was categorical that this decision is unenforceable within this year. She admitted that for the first time since she headed the company, “City Transport – Dobrich” is in a financial crisis and needs additional financing. At the moment, the company’s liabilities are BGN 380,000 and will continue to accumulate.
The reason is the reduced subsidy from the state, and Petkova said that the current situation is a consequence of poor planning. She noted that possible changes are also related to the construction of additional stops, and at the moment in many places they are indicated only by a sign hung on a pole.
Petkova drew attention to the fact that upon entry into force of the changes from May 1 of this year, if the current conditions such as transport prices and employee salaries are maintained, the company will have to incur uncovered costs in the amount of over BGN 5.5 million.
Not a single expense can be optimized, emphasized Katja Petkova. In her words, what the company is currently doing is “a basic optimal option that I wouldn’t touch.” As a positive, she pointed out that the number of subscription cards is permanently increasing.
According to the chairman of the committee, Georgi Jendov, the most appropriate thing is to cancel the decision of the Municipal Council from last year, but in the end it was put to a vote to postpone the changes in the transport scheme to May 1, 2025, and not as it is in the report note – from the beginning of next year. Six councilors voted “for”, and one – “abstained”. The final decision will be taken at the Municipal Council meeting on April 30.
We remind you that a competition is currently being held for the selection of the Manager of “City Transport Dobrich” EOOD. The competition is at the second stage – presentation by the candidate of a business program for the development of the commercial company.
