A consortium of private transport operators in Belgrade has requested a fare increase of 9.42% for gas-powered buses and 5.54% for euro-diesel buses, citing higher average gross wages in the city and rising gas costs. The proposal will be discussed at the City Assembly session on Friday, September 19.
The consortium, which includes C&LC Group, ASP Strela-Obrenovac, and Banbus, was contracted in September 2024 to operate 84 urban transport lines with over 500 vehicles, taking over routes previously run by the public transport company. The value of the contract is 171.18 billion dinars (approximately 1.46 billion euros), and this is the second fare increase requested within a year.
Belgrade’s budget for transport operators already allocates 34.58 billion dinars for this year, with 20.59 billion spent in the first half alone. The union warns that additional payments to private operators will require cuts or adjustments in other city projects and services.
The union also highlights that despite claims of “free public transport,” significant public funds are being directed to a small number of private companies, and that the quality of service does not match the level of investment.
Uncertainty remains over the procurement of new vehicles for the public transport company GSP Belgrade, including 170 solo buses, 130 articulated buses, 100 trams, and new trolleybuses and electric buses, due to suspended tenders. The union calls for intervention from national authorities, as the city administration struggles to manage its main transport enterprise effectively.
