On Wednesday, The European Commission (EC) approved a €151 million aid scheme for railway passenger carrier ZSSK under the EU state aid rules for the construction of two light maintenance workshops in Košice and Žilina. According to the EC report, light maintenance includes daily/frequent maintenance that does not require removing the vehicle from operation, such as vehicle cleaning, water replenishment or minor repairs.
The EC found that the measure is necessary and proportionate to support the shift of passenger transport from road to rail, thus promoting environmental protection and helping to alleviate road infrastructure. According to the EC findings, the measure of the Slovak Government has an "incentive effect", as the beneficiary would not carry out this investment without public support.
Source: TASR
