Poland’s Office of Rail Transport (UTK) announced that starting December 10, 2017, Czech private rail operator LEO Express may begin its operations on Krakow – Prague route.
Passengers will receive international rail connections to the Czech Republic: the actual offer on this route will be extended, all without any outlay from public funds. Poles will join the Swedes, Brits, Czechs, Germ
ans, Slovaks, Austrians and Italians, who have been able to benefit from rail competition and the development of passenger rail transport,” Peter Köhler, chairman of LEO Express said.
At the beginning of June 2017, LEO Express notified UTK that they planned to establish a new international rail passenger service between Prague– Kraków Główny – Prague. In September operator modified its notification. UTK didn’t receive any requests for neither a principal purpose test, nor an economic equilibrium test were submitted after the modification.
Therefore, UTK could grant open access without additional tests. Such a procedure is set out in the Railway Act.
“I am pleased, that I was able to grant the decision for a new railway undertaking. Competition on tracks boosts the chance that the passenger will obtain better offer: price, comfort and quality of service. It is important that competition should be governed by the law provisions so as to improve the situation of the passengers. We do not want to face the worsening of service frequency in the longer term,” Ignacy Góra, President of the UTK said.
LEO Express plans to launch one pair of trains every day, on the route Prague. – Kraków Główny – Prague. Railway undertaking notified three alternative routes. Every option includes stops in: Zebrzydowice, Pszczyna, Tychy, Katowice and Mysłowice. First option includes stops in: Jaworzno, Trzebinia and Krzeszowice, as well. While Jaworzno, Olkusz, Tunel and Miechów are stations listed for second option. Third option train stops in Oświęcim, Zator and Skawina.
The train is scheduled to leave Poland early morning and to leave back to Cracow at evenings to reach its destination before midnight.
Share on:
