Return of cross-border passenger trains between Zlín (CZ) and Trenčín (SK) regions
From December, trains will run on the Horní Lideč - Púchov line again and a year later on the Vlársky Pass line.
After a break of several years, passenger trains are to run again on two lines between the Czech Republic and Slovakia from this December. These lines are Horní Lideč – Púchov and Bylnice – Vlársky priesmyk (Vlara Pass)– Horné Srnie.
The postponement in negotiations for the return of the trains was announced by the transport coordinator in the Zlín Region, KOVED. Before the pandemic, Arriva commercial trains used to run from Bylnice to Horné Srnie. However, the service was not resumed.
In February, the Slovak transport ministry held a meeting with representatives of the Zlín and Trenčín regions. According to the representatives of the Zlín Region, it is expected that the connections could be restored with the new timetable.
Restoration of regional passenger transport on the Horní Lideč – Púchov line is a priority, as it is crucial for transporting people across the border to work. This connection should be launched in December of this year. The number of trains, their timetables, and operating costs are now being determined.
Negotiations on the resumption of the Vlara Pass line, which connects the Zlín and Trenčín regions between Bylnice and Horné Srnie, are more complicated. The reasons are said to be both legislative and financial on the Slovak side. Negotiations will continue for this line as well, with a possible resumption date in December 2024.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková