In Slovakia, train fares to be halved for a month
In Slovakia, from October 1 for 30 days, the fare for second class on domestic passenger trains will be reduced by 50%. The relevant decision was approved by the country's government on September 23.
The measure is being introduced against the backdrop of a sharp rise in fuel prices, which has increased household expenses for car travel. The Ministry of Transport expects that cheaper tickets will also encourage people to use the railway more often, especially for daily commutes to work and school.
The discount will apply to domestic transport carried out under the state order. Primarily these are trains of the state-owned Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK), including express trains between Bratislava and Košice. The program also includes Leo Express services on the Bratislava - Komárno route.
For example, a standard second-class ticket between Bratislava and Košice should become cheaper from €19.20 to €9.60. A trip from Trnava to Bratislava will cost about €1.35 instead of €2.70.
The discount will apply not only to regular single tickets. The government measure also covers route tickets, including weekly and monthly passes. They can be purchased through the carrier's standard channels - at ticket offices, online store, and mobile app.
Not all rail services will become cheaper. The discount will not apply to international tickets, so, for example, an international trip between Ukraine and Slovakia will not automatically be halved in price.
Seat reservations, annual network passes, tickets for integrated transport systems, and service fees will remain at full price. The cost of additional services, such as transporting a bicycle, dog, or oversized luggage, also remains unchanged.
Children, students, and pensioners who already use the system of free rail travel in Slovakia will see no change to current rules.
To compensate for the losses to rail carriers, the government has allocated €5.3 million. The Ministry of Finance is to fund the program through a budget adjustment, after which the funds will be transferred to the carriers.
ZSSK expects an increase in passenger numbers after the launch of cheaper tickets. The carrier stated that in the first days it will monitor the load factor of carriages and, if necessary, can increase capacity on the most popular services.
So far, the measure is planned for 30 days. The Slovak authorities plan to evaluate its effect monthly. In parallel, the government is considering the possibility of supporting fare reductions on suburban bus transport: regions may be offered state co-financing in exchange for a 30% fare reduction.
Based on materials from: Government of Slovakia, SME, Aktuality.sk
