ZSSK Night Train Modernization: Improving Rail Service in Slovakia

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Introduction

Slovak Railways (ZSSK) is undertaking a fleet renewal project to modernize its night train services, focusing on the refurbishment of sleeping cars and route expansions, including extending the Humenné – Bratislava service to Vienna.

Fleet Modernization Plans

ZSSK currently operates 30 sleeping cars, with two-thirds dating back to the 1980s and lacking air conditioning. The company plans to retire these older carriages gradually.

Procurement and Contracts

The renewal initiative involves two separate public procurements: one for sleeping coaches and another for couchette cars. ŽOS Trnava has been awarded a contract for the conversion of 10 older daytime coaches into couchette cars, with an option for an additional 10 units. ŽOS Vrútky is currently negotiating the price for sleeping cars, with a contract covering 10 carriages and an option for 14 more. These contracts are contingent on securing financing.

Financial and Operational Aspects

ZSSK intends to fund these investments from its own resources, potentially through an investment loan, due to the lack of appropriate EU funding mechanisms. The scope of the renewal will depend on market dynamics and demand, with a minimum of 10 carriages expected to be modernized. Price negotiations for sleeping cars are ongoing, as the initial bid exceeded ZSSK’s expectations. Each sleeping car will have at least 30 berths, while a couchette car with 40 berths is estimated to cost around EUR 1.8 million, equating to EUR 45,000 per berth.

Service and Pricing Strategy

ZSSK is developing a new model for night-travel surcharges, aiming to reflect the actual service costs, which are currently EUR 7 for a couchette and EUR 13 for a sleeping berth. The new pricing structure will consider service standards, carriage type, and operating costs. Couchette cars will offer basic overnight travel, while sleeping cars will provide a higher level of comfort with features like washbasins, first-class compartments, and enhanced privacy. Sleeping cars will feature a double-deck design, contrasting with the single-deck couchette cars. The goal is to balance pricing with passenger value. The initial new carriages could be operational as early as 2026. ZSSK is also working on improving night transport efficiency through train formation optimization and capacity utilization. The current night train services operate on the Humenné – Bratislava and Humenné – Prague routes. In March, ZSSK initiated a tender valued at EUR 781 million for new rolling stock procurement.

Conclusion

Slovak Railways (ZSSK) is modernizing its night train fleet, expanding routes, and revising its pricing model to improve service quality and efficiency. The project involves refurbishing existing carriages and procuring new ones, with contracts and service enhancements planned for the coming years.

Company Summary

ŽOS Trnava: The company has been awarded a contract for the conversion of older daytime coaches into couchette cars, with an option for additional units.

ŽOS Vrútky: The company is currently in price negotiations with Slovak Railways for the provision of sleeping cars.

Slovak Railways (ZSSK): The company is undertaking a fleet renewal project to modernize its night train services.

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