A major upgrade of the rolling stock on Slovakia’s railways is helping to create an integrated transport system, and aims to attract passengers away from less sustainable modes of transport.
- 29 December 2014
The investment foresees the purchase of nine electrical units seating at least 300 per unit, and 20 pieces of diesel multiple units seating at least 170 per unit. Drawing passengers away from individual road transport, road congestion and emissions of exhaust gases are expected to reduce while mobility is increased.
A more economical, comfortable way of commuting
The rolling stock upgrade focuses on six areas of Slovakia: Bratislava, Trnava, Nitra, Trenčín, Košice and Prešov.The nearly 4.1 million target inhabitants of these regions are regular commuters from suburban areas to the centres of the main economic, social and cultural activities, not to mention health care and sport facilities.
The integrated transport system contributes to the regional development by reducing travel time for public transport, as well as providing access to the city centres and other popular areas. The project increases the frequency of trains, especially during peak hours, and also provides a significant increase in quality of service. It is expected that 5 % more passengers will use public rail transport.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Rolling stock for suburban and regional railway passengers transport within ITS” is EUR 179 113 000. The EU’s Cohesion Fund contributes EUR 144 472 795 through the operational programme “Transport” for the 2007-2013 programming period, under the priority “Integrated transport systems, rolling stock and infrastructure”.