BULGARIA: The Ministry of Transport & Communications has signed a contract for Škoda Group to supply 20 four-car 160 km/h electric-multiple units for use on long distance services from Sofia to Burgas, Varna and Ruse. In July, preferred bidder Stadler Polksa dropped out of the running for a contract to supply 35 EMUs within 28 months, with second ranked bidder Pesa Bydgoszcz taking its place in the negotiations. Stadler also withdrew from a separate 301m leva contract signed in April which covered the supply and maintenance of seven double-deck 200 km/h EMUs, with options for three more.