A passenger, who traveled by train from Plovdiv to Asenovgrad, told an unusual story, which she describes with pathos as “blackmail” and even “racketeering”. She arrived at the railway station under the hills and prepared to pay for a trip to the Rhodope town to board the 15:58 train. Instead of the usual price of BGN 1.30, they announced a price of BGN 1.80 for the trip.
“I ask why, and they tell me that it was a ticket with a reserved seat, that the train was 1st class,” she tells the employees.
The difference of 50 cents outraged the woman and she expressed her dissatisfaction. Having motivated herself by the fact that there are connections along the route, and she wants to use a regular line.
“Of course, I objected and I want a ticket to Asenovgrad from 1.30, that I don’t want 1st class, that if I have to I will travel straight. Anyway, in Krumovo we will transfer to another train, why should I pay more. We, the people of Asenovgrad, it is not our fault that there are repairs, etc. I showed the dispatcher that according to the schedule there is a train to Asenovgrad at 15:58 and that I want a ticket to Asenovgrad,” continued the Asenovgrad woman.
However, the employees offered her to get on the next train, which was only an hour later.
“I am extremely outraged. This is what they were ordered to do. I have never had such a thing happen to me before. Apparently, someone has decided to line their pockets. Against injustice, I have never been silent, and I will not be silent. It turned out that one of the women in the queue and she is for Asenovgrad and took courage from me and she objected,” she adds.
The lady shares about the unpleasant story using the platform of the social network, urging other Asenovgrad residents not to put up with similar practices.
“If we are united, we can achieve many things,” she concludes.
The situation outrages many citizens who often travel on the Asenovgrad – Plovdiv line. People note that passengers are used to the fare, especially the more socially vulnerable. There is no shortage of travelers who have also encountered a similar practice.
“This happened to me 3 months ago. I filed a complaint with the BDZ. They assured me that this will not happen again, but apparently again for starters. It’s not right. Look on the internet for BDZ complaints and reports and write there. This will correct the situation “because it will be a second signal on the subject,” commented Emma D.
“This was clearly a train to Varna. And from Krumovo in the direction of Plovdiv they oblige us to buy a reserved seat – whether you use it or not, it doesn’t matter. About ten minutes away, but that’s it“, claims Marie P.
“Don’t sit in the carriage, which is first class! Otherwise, the ticket is still 1.30 BGN”, urges Diana M.
We remind you that BDZ changes the prices of train tickets due to the drastic increase in the costs of the company in the last few years. The increase will be an average of 20% and will take effect from May 7, 2024, the carrier announced on its website a few days ago. The prices of the “Child”, “Student”, “Family”, “TPL” and “Adult” railway cards, which have a symbolic value of 1 BGN, will remain unchanged.
See also the entire post of the Assenovgrad woman:
“Good morning, people of Asenovgrad! Yesterday something unusual happened at the railway station in Plovdiv. I was in a hurry to catch the train to Asenovgrad, which was scheduled for 15:58.
I want a ticket to Asenovgrad and they tell me BGN 1.80. I ask why and they tell me that it was a ticket with a reserved seat, that the train was 1st class.
Naturally, I objected and I want a ticket to Asenovgrad from 1.30, that I don’t want 1st class, that if I have to I will travel straight. In any case, we will transfer to another train in Krumovo, why should I pay more.
We Asenovgrad residents are not to blame that there are repairs, etc. I showed the dispatcher that according to the schedule there is a train to Asenovgrad at 15:58 and that I want a ticket to Asenovgrad.
He offered me the next one from 17:10. I am extremely outraged. So they were ordered. Nothing like this had ever happened to me before.
Apparently someone has decided to line their pockets. Against injustice, I have never been silent, and I will not be silent. It turned out that one of the women in the queue and she was for Asenovgrad and took courage from me and she objected.
This is pure extortion, a racket! I ask all fellow citizens to object and not to close their eyes, not to remain silent against modern thieves. If we are united, we can achieve many things. Good day to all!”
The photo is illustrative
