Ivan Nikolov has been appointed Sofia’s Deputy Mayor for Transport and Urban Mobility. Mayor Vassil Terziev’s decision takes effect on 20 October 2026. Previously head of the municipal Transport Directorate, Nikolov will oversee fleet renewal and the delivery of transport investment projects.
Faster project delivery and more reliable services
Nikolov has worked at Sofia Municipality since 2017, dealing with public transport, network changes and the preparation of investment projects. His new responsibilities include coordination with transport operators and moving existing projects forward.
His tasks include bringing new vehicles into service, reviewing routes and introducing measures to improve operating speeds and reliability. Additional funding for operators, better working conditions and action to address staff shortages are also on the agenda.
Plans for the bus fleet
The renewal programme for Sofia’s municipal bus operator, Stolichen Avtotransport, includes several successive steps:
- Delivery of 42 second-hand articulated buses in 2026–2027, alongside coaches and 12-metre buses.
- The launch of procurement procedures for 200 new buses in early 2027 — 130 articulated and 70 standard vehicles.
- Planned deliveries of those 200 new buses in 2028.
Trams, electric buses and metro trains
Stolichen Elektrotransport is scheduled to receive 75 trams and 50 electric buses in 2027. A further 18 broad-gauge trams are planned for routes 20 and 22 in 2028, with the contract expected to be signed by the end of 2026.
The metro is due to receive eight new trains for Line 3 by January 2027 and another 16 for Lines 1, 2 and 4 in 2028. The programme also covers depot and infrastructure modernisation.
New traffic planning
The transport department will prepare a new General Traffic Management Plan and a transport model for Sofia. Its remit includes traffic signal management, road safety and linking cycle lanes into usable routes, in cooperation with the Construction department.