Velingrad Increases Taxi Service Prices by 11.1%

The Municipal Council of Velingrad unanimously approved new, higher tariffs for taxi services, with an increase of 11.1%. The decision was adopted during the regular session after discussions and concerns that the price hike might burden residents and tourists.

Prior to the session, the proposal faced doubts in the standing committees, where councilors hesitated and preferred to abstain, as the request was not submitted by the local taxi business but by organizations from Sofia SNTC 'Taxi Union' and SOS TAXI – Bulgaria.

However, at the same meeting, local transport operators supported the initiative. Dimitar Toporchev from "Astor Taxi" explained that drivers do not want to immediately work at the new maximum prices but demand a "buffer" to help them in case of increased costs.

"Fuel, social security contributions, and inflation are constantly rising. We need to have the ability to adapt," Toporchev told the councilors.

During the debates, Emil Mollov asked whether taxi companies would lower tariffs if fuel prices decreased. This question sparked an lively discussion in the hall.

Alexander Daskalov and Penka Krusteva pointed out the specific characteristics of the Velingrad market – short distances and the dependence of drivers mainly on the initial fee, rather than on long trips.

Ultimately, the proposal was adopted unanimously – no votes were against or abstained. Thus, Velingrad becomes one of the municipalities updating their tariffs in response to rising sector costs.

Source: marica.bg