Ukraine, Czech Republic simplify opening int'l bus services

MOSCOW. July 19 (Interfax) - Ukraine has facilitated the opening of international bus services with the Czech Republic, relieving carriers of the need to confirm the existence of a parity partner in the other country, Ukrainian media outlets said with a reference to the Ukrainian Restoration Ministry.

The period of coordination of a route and issuance of a permit will take no longer than four months, the ministry said. Communication channels for the opening of routes have been established between the countries, the ministry said.

Relevant changes were approved at a meeting of a joint commission of the Ukrainian Restoration Ministry and the Czech Transport Ministry.

"The growing demand for bus transportation requires the state to ensure an efficient procedure of opening new routes to that the market could promptly respond to passengers' requests. Czechia is one of the most popular countries in terms of bus service, this is why we have facilitated the procedure of opening routes together with our Czech colleagues," the ministry quoted Deputy Restoration Minister Sergei Derkach as saying.

Derkach said he hopes that the decision would help improving transport accessibility, increase the amount of passenger traffic and would facilitate intensifying of business activities.

Agreements on parity-free passenger bus service were also signed with Slovakia this year.