BRATISLAVA, January 17, (WEBNOVINY) – Three state-operated railway companies can achieve a balanced economic performance without losses this and next year after revitalization, opines Transport Minister Jan Figel (KDH). Following years of losses and debt accumulation, this is an important prospect and opportunity to continue with sustainable modernizing and developing the companies. The price hike of train tickets was necessary, argued Figel because the fare has not changed since 2004 while the cost of passenger rail operator increased. Another significant fact is the growing number of passengers after more than twelve years.
It was inevitable to downsize the staff when more than 3,000 jobs were axed last year, Figel argues. The railway companies presently employ some 28,000 people. Figel maintains that as many as 30,000 people might have been given the sack and not only several thousand. The management of the three companies was reduced, as well. Optimization of employment was a logical part of the revitalization.
The minister said that the fees for the use of railway infrastructure came down profoundly a year ago. The Transport Ministry and the train-only company Zeleznicna Spolocnost Slovensko sealed a ten-year contract for provision of passenger train transport, valid until 2020. The state offered guarantees that it will purchase and pay for services in public interest.
SITA