STB insolvency plan proposes fare hike and job cuts

STB entered insolvency proceedings on September 8, 2026, with debts of 1.6 billion lei. The company recorded revenues of 1.2 billion lei after ten months, losses of 765 million lei, and a liquidity deficit of 67 million lei by October 30, 2026.

The judicial administrator's report identifies 4,876 family relationships among employees, including 1,428 spouse relationships. Three families employ 20, 16, and 11 workers respectively.

“The collective labor contract clauses are the main cause that led the company into insolvency.”

STB employs 10,137 people with a monthly payroll fund of 106 million lei and an average gross salary of approximately 10,700 lei. Drivers earned up to 18,000 lei net per month in summer 2026, while 80 percent of company revenues go to salaries.

The restructuring plan proposes eliminating 1,709 positions and raising the 90-minute ticket price from 3 to 5 lei. Monthly passes would increase from 80 to 100 lei, generating an estimated 131.5 million lei in additional annual revenue.

Free travel for pensioners would be limited to those with pensions below 3,000 lei per month, covering about 220,000 beneficiaries. Free travel for pensioners' spouses and municipal company employees would be eliminated, saving an estimated 138 million lei annually.

Employees receive 36 bonuses, allowances, and indemnities under the collective labor contract, which the administrator cites as the main cause of insolvency. In 2025, employees took 484 years of medical leave, with vehicle drivers averaging 60 days each at a cost of 55 million lei to STB and CNSAS.