GW Train Regio, the second-largest regional carrier in the Czech Republic, has announced plans to raise train fares by ten percent starting January next year. Robert Krigar, the General Director of GW Jihotrans, the parent company of GW Train Regio, cited escalating costs and the demand for higher wages as the primary drivers behind this decision.

Krigar emphasized that the decision to increase ticket prices by approximately ten percent aligns with industry trends, as many competitors are facing similar challenges due to the surge in operational costs. The company anticipates the need to partially raise wages, reflecting the impact of inflation and other objective factors.

In addition to fare adjustments, GW Train Regio is exploring the possibility of revising the pricing structure for transporting electric bikes. The consideration stems from the weight of electric bikes and concerns that many bike holders may not be designed to accommodate this additional weight. Currently, the cost of transporting bicycles, both regular and electric, stands at 60 CZK across trains and buses.

The growing popularity of electric bikes presents logistical challenges, with more than half of all bicycles transported by GW Jihotrans falling into the electric category. Krigar highlighted issues related to the weight of electric bikes, the physical fitness required for handling heavier loads, and potential pricing disparities in addressing complaints for electric bikes compared to traditional ones. These factors could contribute to making the transportation of electric bikes more expensive than that of regular bicycles.

GW Train Regio specializes in regional passenger rail transport, operating on Šumava locals in the South Bohemian region. With approximately 270 employees, including 180 drivers, the company plays a crucial role in the regional transportation network. In 2023, it is set to extend its services to personal transport in Pošumaví in the Plzeň region. The fare adjustments aim to address financial challenges and ensure the sustainability of the regional transport services provided by GW Train Regio.

Article by Prague Forum