Bulgarian lawmakers propose allowing taxis to use bus lanes

The political group ‘We Continue the Change’ has proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Act that would allow taxis to use bus lanes under specific conditions. The legislative proposal seeks to remove the current legal ban on taxis with passengers using these lanes, instead granting individual municipalities the authority to decide whether and under what circumstances such access is permitted.

Asen Vasilev, the chairman of the party, stated that the change aims to improve life for passengers, taxi drivers, and other road users by reducing congestion in standard lanes. MP Ivo Mihaylov added that the measure would provide faster and more predictable travel times for passengers, particularly benefiting parents, the elderly, and tourists traveling to airports or stations.

Proponents noted that the proposal aligns with European norms, citing that taxis are permitted to use bus lanes in several major European cities. The measure is intended to optimize existing infrastructure and allow municipalities to designate specific areas where taxi access to bus lanes remains prohibited.