Danube Bridge traffic Optimized as Bulgaria Embraces Schengen Membership
The Danube Bridge near Ruse, a critical border crossing between Bulgaria and Romania, is now operating smoothly, with no queues and regulated traffic. This follows the implementation of a “virtual queue” system introduced by Ruse Mayor Pencho Milkov. Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, accompanied by ministers of regional development and transport, visited the site to assess the situation.
Glavchev emphasized the importance of maintaining efficiency at the border,stating,“Our full acceptance into Schengen is the achievement of many governments and many teams,and we will not allow a spoonful of tar to be put into this.” He outlined two guiding principles: ensuring swift passage for both heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles and preventing traffic jams from disrupting the daily lives of Ruse residents.
The virtual queue system, managed by the private parking lot “Tir Parking Ruse,” requires truck drivers to obtain a free virtual number before crossing the border.While the system has been in place for a year, Glavchev expressed surprise at reports of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers being asked for parking tickets. During his visit, he noted onyl a dozen trucks in the buffer parking lot, signaling minimal congestion.
Glavchev called for proposals from regional governor Dragomir Draganov and Mayor Milkov to further optimize border processes. Both officials have already submitted recommendations, though the caretaker government has yet to act on them.
Proposed Changes to Bridge Fees
In late 2024, as Bulgaria prepared for its full Schengen membership, Governor Draganov proposed eliminating the “bridge” fee for passenger cars and enabling online payments for heavy trucks. Currently, Bulgarian cars pay a 2 euro fee, while Romanian vehicles pay 3 euros. In 2024 alone, approximately 1 million passenger cars crossed the bridge in one direction, generating significant revenue.
The caretaker government has remained silent on weather it supports these changes, likely deferring the decision to a future cabinet. A meeting within the Council of Ministers was expected to address the proposal, but no updates have been provided.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Virtual Queue system | Implemented by Mayor Pencho Milkov to manage truck traffic at the border. |
| Bridge Fees | 2 euros for Bulgarian cars, 3 euros for Romanian cars. |
| Proposed Changes | Eliminate fees for passenger cars; enable online payments for heavy trucks.|
| Traffic Volume | 1 million passenger cars crossed in one direction in 2024. |
As Bulgaria solidifies its position within the Schengen zone, the Danube Bridge remains a focal point for ensuring seamless cross-border movement. The proposed fee changes and ongoing traffic optimizations reflect the country’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and reducing bottlenecks.
For more updates on Bulgaria’s Schengen integration and border policies, stay tuned to our coverage.
Ruse Mayor Calls for Digital Traffic Management System at Danube Bridge Amid Ongoing repairs
The Danube Bridge, a critical link between Bulgaria and Romania, is facing significant traffic challenges due to ongoing repair works. In response, Ruse Mayor Pencho Milkov has urged acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev to collaborate on implementing a digital traffic management system to streamline the passage of heavy goods vehicles and alleviate disruptions for local residents.
the mayor emphasized that without such a system, the repair works—expected to last another 18 months—will worsen traffic congestion. “The system can be developed and implemented quickly, as there are government solutions that can be adapted for the purpose. The municipality is ready to provide full assistance to the government authorities to ensure effective traffic management,” Milkov stated.
The Need for Coordination and Digital Solutions
Milkov highlighted the lack of coordination among state institutions, which has led to chaotic traffic conditions. “At the moment, the trucks are moving on their own, and the Ministry of the Interior needs to allocate additional resources to deal with the traffic jams. There is a lack of clear coordination, and this threatens the safety of residents and drivers in the area,” he added.The proposed digital system aims to create a separate lane for vehicles that have paid tolls online, allowing them to bypass general queues. Minister of Regional Development Violeta Koritarova confirmed that efforts are underway to implement this feature, though no specific timeline was provided.“We are already working on the possibility of having a separate track for cars that have paid online so that they are not in the general queue and pass freely,” Koritarova said.
Financial Implications and Fee Adjustments
The regional governor of Ruse, Dragomir Draganov, has proposed increasing the toll fee for heavy goods vehicles crossing the bridge from 37 euros to 40 euros. This adjustment, he argues, could generate an additional 1.5 million euros in revenue for the budget. In 2024 alone, the bridge saw 496,000 crossings, contributing over 18.35 million euros to the budget.
Draganov’s proposal has garnered support from key figures, including the head of the National Narcotics Agency, Rumen Spetsov. However, implementing the fee increase requires legislative changes, which are unlikely to be addressed until the adoption of the 2025 Budget.
Current Challenges and Future solutions
The ongoing repair works have exacerbated traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova noted that “in the absence of queues, there is no need for the so-called ‘virtual queues.'” However,the current situation demands immediate action to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety.
Milkov has pledged the municipality’s full support, including deploying municipal police and other resources, but stressed the need for state-level coordination. “The state must give carte blanche to the responsible institutions to take control of the situation to ensure a lasting solution,” he asserted.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Proposed Digital System | Separate lane for online-paid vehicles to reduce queues. |
| Repair Duration | 18 months, exacerbating traffic congestion. |
| Toll Fee Proposal | Increase from 37 euros to 40 euros for heavy goods vehicles. |
| Budget Impact | Additional 1.5 million euros in revenue. |
| Municipal Support | Ruse Municipality offers resources, including municipal police assistance. |
A Call to Action
As the Danube Bridge remains a vital artery for trade and travel, the need for a coordinated, digital approach to traffic management is clear. Residents, drivers, and businesses alike are counting on state and municipal authorities to work together to implement sustainable solutions.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our coverage.
Image Source: Mediapool.bgRuse municipality Proposes Digital Queue System to Ease Truck Traffic Amid Danube Bridge Repairs
The city of Ruse, Bulgaria, is taking proactive steps to address the growing congestion caused by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) amid the ongoing repair of the Danube Bridge. Mayor Pencho Milkov has proposed the introduction of a digital queue management system, a software solution designed to monitor and direct truck movements from the moment they enter the country.“such software can be created on the basis of already existing state details systems, such as BACIS.The municipality is ready to provide full assistance, including through an available platform that can be used temporarily until the state develops its own system,” said Milkov. The municipality has also secured an agreement with the private operator of the buffer parking system to regulate a virtual queue, which can be replaced by a state-developed system when ready.
The Role of the Ruse-Gyurgevo Ferry
While the digital queue system is a promising solution, another critical development lies in the long-awaited launch of the Ruse-Gyurgevo ferry. This ferry,which will serve heavy goods vehicles,has the potential to considerably ease traffic congestion. According to the regional governor of Ruse, Dragomir Draganov, the ferry could handle “between 400 – 500 tires in one direction” daily.Though, progress on the ferry has been stalled due to delays on the Romanian side. The agreement for the restoration of the ro-ro line was signed in October 2022, but the Bulgarian authorities have repeatedly stated that Romania is holding up the process.
“The problem is with our friends in Romania. At the moment, their government is also resigned. There will be a second presidential election. There is no decision of the Council of Ministers of Romania on how to approach this case. We hope that the new Romanian government and the new minister of transport will take this matter seriously so that we can greatly relieve HGV traffic,” Draganov commented.
The Impact of Danube Bridge Repairs
The urgency of these measures is heightened by the ongoing repair of the danube Bridge, which is expected to continue until the summer of 2026. The bridge, a vital link between Bulgaria and romania, has seen increased traffic congestion as the repairs began. The launch of the ferry line is seen as a crucial step in alleviating this pressure.
Key Points at a Glance
| Initiative | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Digital Queue System | Software to monitor and direct truck movements; based on existing systems like BACIS. |
| Ruse-Gyurgevo Ferry | Expected to handle 400-500 tires daily; delayed due to Romanian government issues. |
| Danube Bridge Repairs | Ongoing until summer 2026; contributing to increased traffic congestion. |
Looking Ahead
The proposed digital queue system and the eventual launch of the Ruse-gyurgevo ferry represent significant steps toward easing the traffic burden in Ruse. As the Danube Bridge repairs continue, these initiatives will play a crucial role in maintaining the flow of goods and vehicles across the border.
For more updates on the Danube bridge repairs and the latest developments in Ruse, stay tuned to our coverage.
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