Skopje to launch urban train service in September

A trial run in Skopje demonstrated that a train can travel from Maxharii to the city centre in about five minutes, markedly faster than the same bus route. Authorities announced that the urban train will begin operating on 1 September, serving the Zelenikovo‑Dračevo‑Lisiče‑Skopje Railway Station corridor. Construction of the first segment is reported to be 90‑98 % complete, with additional phases linking Volkovo, Gjorče Petrov, Skopje North, Miladinov, Ilinden and Maxharii slated for later this year. A separate rapid‑bus (BRT) system is expected to move into implementation in the following year. Non‑governmental organisations welcomed the development, citing potential time and cost savings for commuters and an overall upgrade to the capital’s public‑transport network.