Stambolovo will hire companies to run the bus routes in its part of the regional transport scheme, under a five-year public contract. Town councillors voted for the plan at their regular meeting today.

It was one of 10 items on the draft agenda for the council's 48th meeting.

More on this story: Stambolovo councillors to choose bus operator for five years

The municipality now has to find carriers for eight approved routes from its share of the scheme. Buses on these routes make 15 trips a day or run on days off.

Councillors also agreed that the municipality should prepare a project proposal and apply under the programme "Active life for older people of retirement age and healthy ageing". The maximum grant is €78,329.

Councillors asked questions in the chamber. Mayor Adnan Yildiz said buses from Krumovgrad, Haskovo and Madzharovo also pass through the municipality and serve places in the Stambolovo area. He said Stambolovo has no way to influence the timetables or how often those buses run.

Two residents received one-off financial aid. One of them is from the village of Pchelari, where a fire burned down his house and left him homeless. He will get €900 to restore the property.