For yet another year, the City of Sofia reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urban mobility by actively participating in the European Mobility Week – the European Commission’s flagship awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility, which promotes behavioural change in favour of active mobility, public transport, and other clean, intelligent transport solutions.
The European Mobility Week in Sofia was launched by Mr. Iliyan Pavlov, Deputy Mayor for Transport and Urban Mobility on 16th September 2024. The opening event was dedicated to the European Mobility Week Campaign and the beginning of the new school year and took place at central pedestrian zone in the city. On the occasion of the European Mobility Week opening, car traffic was prohibited in the nearby streets. Throughout the week, a strong emphasis was placed on promoting the newly introduced free public transport passes for pupils aged 7 to 14, a measure aimed at encouraging public transport usage. Complementing this initiative was the relaunch of the school bus routes U1 and U2, marking their return for another school year.
Throughout the entire week, a series of engaging events were held to promote this year’s campaign theme: shared public space. Special focus was brought to pedestrians and cyclists with numerous walking tours and a dedicated “bike tour with a cause” in the Vitosha mountain. Additional free public transport lines were introduced to provide free transport for those who wish to attend the European Mobility Week events, reflecting the city’s commitment to showcasing the vast potential of its public transport infrastructure. A notable highlight was the public transport open day, which experienced record-breaking attendance. Enthusiasts and curious visitors had the opportunity to explore the newest public transport trams and buses, enjoy a special exhibition of retro vehicles as well as small scale models, and even step into the shoes of a public transport driver and testing the metro training simulator.
On September 22nd, Sofia municipality traditionally celebrated the Car-Free Day. The entry of cars into the central area of the city was prohibited from 08:00 to 20:00. On that day people not only enjoyed the car free zone but also had the opportunity to experience free retro bus lines, cycling city tour and enjoy the festive program.
The Climaborough project, as a project which can help cities reduce their carbon footprint, adapt to changing weather patterns and improve overall quality of life for their residents, was also featured in the Car-Free Day, along with other sustainable mobility initiatives the city is implementing. The European Mobility Week provided a great opportunity to foster community awareness and engagement on climate and sustainable mobility issues.
With its past achievements as a finalist city for the European Mobility Week Award in 2022 and 2020, and having been shortlisted in 2015 and 2016, Sofia’s ambitious are to apply again for the prestigious award. The city is looking forward to future editions of the European Mobility Week and is making continuous efforts to build on previous participation by adopting, implementing, and promoting sustainable policies and permanent measures in favour of sustainable urban mobility.
