Czech RegioJet accepts Ukrainian Railways' terms, waiting for contract to be signed

MOSCOW. Dec 19 (Interfax) - Czech private operator RegioJet has accepted all key terms of JSC Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) and is ready to launch a Prague-Chop-Prague train route, Ukrainian media said, citing the RegioJet press service.

"The RegioJet company is fully prepared to launch the Prague-Chop-Prague train service. We are waiting for Ukrzaliznytsia to sign the contract. All significant terms have been accepted," RegioJet said.

Ukrainian Railways CEO Yevgeny Lyashchenko said earlier that the Prague-Chop-Prague route together with the Czech company RegioJet would hopefully be launched before the end of this year, yet problems have occurred at the negotiations. RegioJet wants slightly better commercial terms, he said.

The deadline for completing the talks with the Czech company is the end of the year, Lyashchenko said.

Previously, Ukrainian Railways announced the launch of the Chop-Prague route together with RegioJet from the middle of November.

RegioJet owner Radim Jancura told Ukrainian media that the Chop-Prague train would consist of three cars for 140 passengers, including 80 in sleeper cars, and 60 in cars with seats.

Tickets will cost about 25 euros, including free water, coffee and WiFi. The travel time is 13 hours and 30 minutes, including passport control at the Slovak border, he said.

Cars from Chop will be part of the 18-car Prague-Kosice train. Passengers will be provided with breakfast and dinner.

RegioJet will receive revenue from transportation and will pay Ukrainian Railways a fee for access to the infrastructure, Jancura said.