Czech private rail operator RegioJet has filed a motion with the Anti-Trust Office against state-owned passenger rail operator Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSS) over abusing its dominant position by dumping prices, writes daily Hospodarske Noviny.
Some might say ironic, as it was RegionJet that started the price war after entering the market cheaper than the state run company, which reacted by slashing its prices to undercut the private company. ZSS cut the prices on its Bratislava to Kosice intercity trains from EUR 22 to just EUR 13 and then to EUR 10.
RegioJet owner Radim Jancura says the state operator “cut prices to below our costs to push us out of the market”. The daily writes, however, that RegioJet is still cheaper with tickets from EUR 9.
I feel sympathy for regio, they are also contending with the state offering subsidized tickets to pensioners/ student/ unemployed etc on the zss network. coincidentally launched as regio introduced its BA- Kosice service.
Iv’e used the regiojet service and i can honestly say, it is one of the best i have ever experienced, im sure even Richard Branson would be impressed (knowing what they have to work with!)