Fuel price increases impact Slovak regional bus transport costs

Rising fuel prices are increasing operating costs for regional bus transport in Slovakia. According to Arriva spokesperson Peter Stach, most of these additional expenses are being absorbed by local governments and self-governing regions that commission the public transport services, though carriers also bear a portion of the costs.

Arriva provides regular accounting of operating costs to these clients, factoring in fuel price developments. While the carrier does not determine ticket prices—a responsibility held by cities for urban transport and regions for regional transport—the company is monitoring the situation.

The Slovak government has announced plans to assist self-governing regions by compensating for revenue losses resulting from a proposed 30 percent reduction in ticket prices. The Ministry of Transport is expected to submit a proposal to the government on September 30, with the measure potentially taking effect on October 1, contingent upon agreements with the regions.

To mitigate dependence on oil prices, Arriva is expanding its use of alternative propulsion, currently operating 30 electric buses in Slovakia and having become the first local carrier to deploy electric buses on regional lines.