RegioJet ending Bratislava-Košice rail link

The private rail operator RegioJet will cease its train connection between Bratislava and Košice as of January 31. This is in reaction to the state-run rail company ZSSK re-introducing InterCity (IC) trains on December 11, Regiojet spokesman Aleš Ondrůj announced on Tuesday. Another factor that prompted RegioJet to this decision was the free rail travelling for pensioners and students introduced by the state in November 2014. The state stopped operating the loss-making IC trains as of January 2016 before continuing the service in December. "Passengers have become fond of RegioJet, we've valued and liked them. So we're sorry for this situation all the more. Following the state's recent moves on this route, unfortunately, it isn't possible for more carriers to sustain themselves there," wrote RegioJet owner Radim Jančura in an official statement. According to Ondrůj, three or even more carriers would be able to operate this route, but sound enterprise isn't possible there due to state interference. "If the state provided as little as half of the amount paid [to ZSSK] as compensation for the free rail travelling in subsidised express trains, RegioJet would be ready to pay the other half from its own pockets," said Ondrůj.