Slovakia‑Czech regional bus reforms

In late July 2026, authorities announced a coordinated overhaul of regional bus services in eastern Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Starting 1 August, the Košice and Prešov regions in Slovakia will adopt a new regular‑timetable system covering 75 lines, with 30‑minute and 60‑minute intervals, better train connections and a stronger link to the Vyšný Nemecký border crossing. A day later, the Central Bohemian and Vysočina regions in the Czech Republic will revamp 40 lines, introduce express route 401 between Prague and Pelhřimov, and redesign services to provide hourly or half‑hourly peaks, aiming to shorten travel times and improve rail links.

A week later, further adjustments were reported. In Jablonec nad Nisou, municipal buses returned to their standard routes on Liberecká street, ending temporary detours, while new traffic measures were introduced on Pražská street for other lines. In the Pelhřimov‑Humpolec area, the ten‑year regional contract switched from ICOM Transport to ČSAD Autobusy České Budějovice (operating as Busem). The new operator will add roughly 1.4 million kilometres of service annually, increase frequency, and launch the direct line 401 to Prague, cutting travel time to under two hours and improving commuter and shopper connections.

Overall, the reforms progressed from initial timetable introductions to on‑the‑ground route adjustments and operator changes, maintaining a focus on faster, more frequent services and the new express link to Prague.