# Bucharest transport insolvency and salary‑cap dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bucharest-public-transport-financial-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-06T10:08:17.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026 the Bucharest transport authority ST B signaled that it would seek insolvency protection as its debt to the tax authority rose to about 1.7 billion lei, with total liabilities estimated near 3 billion lei. The city highlighted the company’s valuable land parcels in districts such as Floreasca, Băneasa‑Herăstrău and Piața Victoriei as potential assets in any restructuring. Operational issues were also noted, including a bus driver caught playing a mobile game while the vehicle was in service.

Around the same time Metrorex, the metro operator, became embroiled in a board‑approved salary‑cap rule that limits remuneration to 80 % of the general director’s allowance. Chief Financial Officer Ioana Diaconu accused General Director Mariana Miclăuș of failing to enforce the February 2026 decision, while Miclăuș counter‑accused Diaconu of neglecting her duties. Both referenced Law 296/2023, Law 158/2025 and confirmations from the Ministries of Labour and Finance; the Court of Auditors flagged the dispute as a potential audit risk.

ST B’s General Director Andrei Bighea disclosed his own salary (≈19,000 lei) and the average staff salary (≈9,700 lei), noting 200 voluntary resignations and 310 applicants attracted by new compensation packages, and called for dedicated bus‑only lanes to improve efficiency.

On 6 August 2026 ST B filed a debtor’s petition with the Bucharest Tribunal, formally initiating insolvency proceedings. Mayor Ciprian Ciucu welcomed the step, saying it would “decapitate” the company’s financial burden while preserving bus, tram and trolleybus services, protecting employee salaries and allowing municipal investment in transport infrastructure to continue. If admitted, the court will suspend enforcement actions and enable a judicial administrator to assess contracts, assets and restructuring options.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Bucharest's STB files for insolvency amid €1.7 billion debt

Bucharest's public transport operator STB filed a debtor's petition at the city tribunal, citing €1.7 billion in debt; the mayor says the step will enable restructuring while services continue.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bucharests-stb-files-for-insolvency-amid-17-billion-debt

### 2026-07-31: Romanian transit operators Metrorex and STB dispute salary limits

Metrorex and STB face salary‑cap controversies: Metrorex’s CFO and director clash over board rules, while STB’s director reveals his pay and pushes for dedicated bus lanes.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-transit-operators-metrorex-and-stb-dispute-salary-limits

### 2026-07-30: Bucharest transport authority STB faces insolvency amid billions of euros in land assets

STB, Bucharest's public‑transport operator, moves toward insolvency with debts around 3 billion lei; its valuable land holdings are under scrutiny, and a driver was filmed playing Candy Crush on a bus.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bucharest-transport-authority-stb-faces-insolvency-amid-billions-of-euros-in-land-assets

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Cite as: Bucharest transport insolvency and salary‑cap dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bucharest-public-transport-financial-crisis