Czech rail carrier RegioJet performs test ride on Kosice-Chop route
MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - Czech rail carrier RegioJet performed a test train ride on the route between Kosice (Slovakia) and Chop (Ukraine) on Tuesday.
A photo of a RegioJet train at the Chop station has been published on railway online forums.
A RegioJet train's test ride on the Kosice-Chop route took place on Tuesday, Ukrainian media said, citing sources in the Czech company.
"It was successful. All necessary parameters were confirmed as a result," one of the sources said.
RegioJet is yet to respond to a media request for official comment.
Ukrainian Railways CEO Yevgeny Lyashchenko said earlier that the company had signed a contract with RegioJet, which would operate train services on the Chop-Prague route from March.
RegioJet, in turn, confirmed that it had completed preparations for launching the Chop-Kosice-Prague train service. The company also plans to launch a second train from Prague to Ukraine along the new Prague-Kosice-Chop route shortly, whereas the company's trains currently terminate in Poland's Przemysl, from where passengers continue their journey on Ukrainian Railways trains. All necessary permits have already been received from the Czech and Slovak railway administrations. It now depends on Ukrainian Railways when this train will be launched, RegioJet said.
Ukrainian Railways earlier announced the launch of a Chop-Prague train in partnership with RegioJet from mid-November, but delays have occurred.
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 cars with seats.
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.
According to Jancura, RegioJet will receive revenue from transportation and will pay Ukrainian Railways a fee for access to the infrastructure.