Determining the Feasibility of a Carpooling Scheme for Sofia, Bulgaria

In a move to address the problem of energy inefficiency in Bulgaria – the nation ranks last in Europe in the efficient use of energy – the Energy Agency of Plovdiv (EAP) has undertaken a project to determine the feasibility of a carpooling scheme. 

The aim of the project was to find answers to several key questions:

• Is there a problem – energy inefficiency, but also, for example, high CO2 emissions, heavy traffic, a lack of parking – that carpooling could impact?
• Can carpooling reduce, stabilize, or at least slow the growth in energy consumption in Bulgaria?
• Does Bulgaria, or certain of its markets, lend itself well to carpooling in terms of traffic characteristics?
• Will political authorities be supportive?
• Might major employers be willing to play a supporting role?
• Is funding available to launch and maintain a carpooling scheme?
• What do potential carpoolers think of the idea?

EAP’s research quickly found ample evidence to conclude that there were serious problems and that carpooling could indeed make an impact. The nation’s capital, Sofia, was identified as the likeliest candidate for a pilot project.

Among the significant findings:

• Sofia has the nation’s highest car-to-population ratio (67 percent), seemingly interminable traffic delays, a significant shortage of convenient public transport, with most respondents saying they would not use public transport even it were free;
• A lack of bicycle paths, insufficient parking, few dedicated traffic lanes, and the poorest air quality (CO2 emissions equivalent to 3.6 tons per person)

• Half a million Sofia citizens commute to work daily – 22.5 percent of them alone in cars
• If 10 percent of commuters were to participate in carpooling, calculations show that CO2 emissions could be reduced by 30,000 tons annually. 

The EAP project is moving forward to its conclusion in December 2008, after which it is hoped that implementation of a Web-based carpooling scheme can ensue, with possible future extensions to other parts of the country. Intensive communication continues with Sofia’s Department of Transport, and this body has officially lent its support to the idea of carpooling and to the establishment of a Mobility Centre in the city. EAP has developed the first draft of a proposal that has been forwarded to the Municipal Council of Sofia for its consideration. And research is ongoing: Potential carpoolers will be questioned, and a finding that at least 20 percent are interested in participating will be considered favorable.

Learn more about EAP