Sofia Metro Lacks Key Accessibility Features, Blind Users Report During Inspection
Jerusalem, 22 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Sofia (BTA) – Blind citizens showed what elements of the accessible environment are lacking in the capital’s metro. During an inspection at the Serdika metro station, they stated what they need in order to move around more safely and independently.
There is no warning line at the beginning and end of the stairs. There are also no relief lines to guide them to the subway entrance, said participants in the review of the conditions.
“I don’t know where to enter the metro after I go down the stairs,” said Nedyalko Dimov from the center for people with impaired vision. “There are no guide lines to the turnstiles and we rely on other people’s help and a cane,” he added. According to Dimov, a large percentage of metro stations do not have such guide lines. At the Vardar metro station, there are, Dimov said.
The metro inspection was part of the “Step Bravely” campaign of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (CPD) and the Union of the Blind in Bulgaria (UBB).
“Our task is to create an accessible environment for people with visual impairments,” said the Chairperson of the CPD Elka Bojova. “All metro stations in Sofia will be inspected, traffic light systems will be examined, as well as public buildings,” Bojova also said. After analysis, a report with recommendations will be prepared for the responsible institutions.
According to the chairman of the Bulgarian Confederation of Transport, Vasil Dolapchiev, the regulations for the movement of people with disabilities and the blind are good, but they are not actually implemented in public projects. “I hope there will be changes,” he said.
The executive director of Metropolitan EAD Nikolay Naydenov was also there to see clearly what makes it difficult for people. He talked to people with visual and motor disabilities and assured that the capital’s metro complies with European accessibility standards.
“We have complied with all international requirements for the way metro stations are built – there are enough ramps, escalators and working elevators,” said Naydenov. He reminded that Metropolitan is not responsible for elevators and escalators, which are maintained by a company. Naydenov added that there is a phone number on the metro website that citizens can call and seek assistance.
“So, do I have to call two days in advance?,” asked Filip Dimitrov, who is in a wheelchair. He was adamant that citizens with physical disabilities experience serious difficulties in moving around on public transport in Sofia. Dimitrov said that even if someone wanted to help him, he would have difficulty lifting and carrying him and his wheelchair, because the total weight is about 300 kg. He said that a few days ago he encountered such a problem at the Central Railway Station, although a policeman wanted to assist him.
During the inspection at the Serdika metro station, the blind people were accompanied by their companions. The blind people shared that they rely on the help of mobility instructors to teach them how to walk on the streets of the cities in which they live.
The lack of tactile, guiding and limiting lines is the most difficult thing in training the blind, instructor Gergana Barzakova told BTA. Mobility training is individual, and everyone needs a different amount of time to learn, she noted. According to her, children adapt faster and easier.
Other cities will also be inspected in the “Step Boldly” campaign.
