Eco-Friendly Trolleybuses to Enhance Travel Experience for Visitors in Sofia

Published on December 19, 2025

Sofia, Bulgaria’s bustling capital, is set to benefit from a major upgrade in its public transport system with the recent announcement that Škoda Group will supply a total of 75 new trolleybuses to the city. The two tenders, worth a combined 56.19 million EUR, include both twelve-metre Škoda 32Tr vehicles and eighteen-metre Škoda 27Tr articulated vehicles. These new eco-friendly trolleybuses will not only improve the daily commute for locals but will also significantly enhance the experience for tourists exploring Sofia.

Sofia’s commitment to modernizing its public transportation infrastructure has become a key aspect of the city’s sustainable development plan. The arrival of the new trolleybuses aligns with Bulgaria’s goals to provide environmentally friendly and efficient transportation options for both residents and visitors. With modern features designed to improve comfort and accessibility, the new fleet is poised to make Sofia a more attractive and convenient destination for tourists, while also supporting the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

A Modernized Public Transport System for Sofia’s Growing Tourism Sector

Sofia, a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant urban life, has been steadily growing as a key tourism hub in Eastern Europe. The city attracts thousands of visitors each year, thanks to its unique blend of ancient landmarks, cultural institutions, and dynamic atmosphere. From the Roman ruins of Serdica to the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, there is much for tourists to explore. However, as tourism grows, so does the demand for modern, accessible, and reliable public transport options.

The new Škoda trolleybuses will provide tourists with a more comfortable and efficient way to explore Sofia’s many attractions. Designed to meet the needs of modern urban environments, the trolleybuses will be fully low-floor, making them accessible to people with disabilities and families with strollers. This is an important step forward in ensuring that Sofia’s public transport system is inclusive and meets the needs of all travelers, including those with mobility challenges.

With the new trolleybus fleet, tourists will be able to seamlessly navigate Sofia’s vibrant city center and reach major attractions such as Vitosha Boulevard, the National Palace of Culture, and the Borisova Gradina park. The expansion of Sofia’s public transportation network is expected to reduce congestion on the streets, making the city more pedestrian-friendly and attractive for those traveling by public transport.

Eco-Friendly Transportation for a Sustainable Future

The 75 new trolleybuses supplied by Škoda Group are designed with sustainability in mind. All vehicles will feature fully low-floor designs and advanced traction batteries that allow for at least 15 kilometers of travel off the overhead trolleybus network. This makes the vehicles not only environmentally friendly but also versatile and capable of operating in more areas of the city, even where trolleybus wires are not available.

These new trolleybuses are part of Sofia’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting green urban mobility. The vehicles will be equipped with semi-automatic current collectors, which will improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The inclusion of air conditioning for both drivers and passengers will ensure comfort during Sofia’s hot summer months, making travel more pleasant for everyone, including tourists who may be unfamiliar with the city’s climate.

Furthermore, the buses will be equipped with modern passenger information and ticketing systems, which will enhance the overall travel experience. These systems will allow for real-time updates on routes, schedules, and travel times, making it easier for both locals and visitors to navigate the city’s transport system. Surveillance cameras and diagnostic systems with remote data transmission capabilities will also be installed to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the fleet.

Improving Accessibility and Connectivity for Tourists

One of the most important aspects of the new trolleybus fleet is its focus on improving accessibility and connectivity across Sofia. As the city’s tourism sector continues to grow, visitors will benefit from improved access to key attractions and neighborhoods, all while minimizing their carbon footprint.

The new trolleybuses will complement Sofia’s existing public transportation network, which includes buses, trams, and the metro. With these new additions, tourists will have more options to travel across the city, whether they are visiting historic sites, dining at local restaurants, or exploring Sofia’s vibrant cultural scene. In addition, the eco-friendly nature of the trolleybuses aligns with the city’s vision for sustainable tourism, where visitors can enjoy Sofia’s offerings while contributing to the preservation of its natural and urban environment.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism Growth in Sofia

Sofia’s tourism sector is on track to experience further growth, with the city’s rich cultural offerings, vibrant nightlife, and historical sites continuing to attract visitors from around the world. By investing in modern, sustainable public transport solutions, Sofia is positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination for tourists seeking both convenience and environmental responsibility.

The addition of these new Škoda trolleybuses is part of a broader effort by Sofia’s local government to modernize the city’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors. As more tourists choose Sofia for their European travel destinations, the city’s commitment to improving public transportation will enhance the overall travel experience and ensure that the city remains a sustainable, accessible, and attractive destination for years to come.

Conclusion

The arrival of 75 new trolleybuses from Škoda Group marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Sofia’s public transportation system. With their environmentally friendly features, improved accessibility, and advanced technology, these new trolleybuses will not only improve the daily commute for locals but also provide a more convenient, comfortable, and eco-conscious travel experience for the city’s growing number of tourists. As Sofia continues to invest in sustainable tourism infrastructure, the city is sure to remain an attractive destination for travelers seeking culture, history, and green mobility.