Czech RegioJet company to launch Chop-Prague trains in March

MOSCOW. Feb 7 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Railways has signed a contract with RegioJet, the Czech railway operator, which will launch trains from Chop to Prague in March, Ukrainian Railways board chairman Yevgeny Lyashchenko told Ukrainian media.

"The contract with RegioJet has already been signed, and last technical issues are being adjusted now. We expect the Chop-Prague train to start running in March," Ukrainian media quoted Lyashchenko as saying.

Earlier, RegioJet said that it finished preparations for the launch of Chop-Prague train.

It was reported earlier that the second train running from Prague to Chop via Kosice will be launched soon. All necessary permits from the railway administrations of the Czech Republic and Slovakia were obtained. Earlier this week, RegioJet said that the launch date depends on the Ukrainian Railways.

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

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