Bus operator Slovak Lines, a.s., based in Bratislava, is planning to increase fares between Slovak cities and towns. It cited higher diesel prices, the recent increase in VAT, as well as higher taxes on motor vehicles and other payments as lying behind the hikes.
The company has not yet provided details about the planned increase in its prices. It also reported higher costs in connection with the introduction of electronic highway tolls in 2010. The reduction of excise tax on diesel last year did not benefit the company’s expenses significantly, as the price of crude oil and diesel increased almost immediately after the tax reduction, Slovak Lines spokeswoman Eva Vozárová said, as reported by the SITA newswire.
Slovak Lines estimated that it transported 15 million people last year, of which 13 million travelled on its regional lines. The company has forecast a drop of up to five percent in passenger numbers this year, due to growing car ownership. Slovak Lines operates 41 regional routes from Bratislava, Malacky and Senec, most of them within Bratislava Region, and seven intercity and international lines. Vozárová added that after years of losses the company had decided to reduce its intercity transport services. The company employed 205 people as of the end of November 2010, a number that has remained stable despite the crisis.
Source: SITA
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
