Members of the Slovak Armed Forces and their immediate family members are entitled to free second-class train travel under a new agreement between the Defence Ministry and national railway operator ZSSK. The measure was announced on Monday by Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer-SD) and Transport Minister Jozef Ráž (Smer-SD).
Kaliňák explained that the benefit is intended to help soldiers commute to work and visit their families, particularly those serving far from home. The arrangement also covers members of the National Defence Forces. Both ministers highlighted the environmental benefits of encouraging rail travel, as well as the potential security advantages of having trained military personnel on board trains who could assist during emergencies or provide first aid.
Kaliňák also announced that priority healthcare at Defence Ministry facilities would be extended to soldiers' immediate families, members of the National Defence Forces and former military personnel.
The opposition movement Slovensko criticised the decision to limit these benefits to military personnel and their families. They argue that police officers, firefighters and mountain rescuers should receive similar treatment, noting that police officers currently pay 20 euros per month for train travel.
Source: TASR, STVR
