Described as a 21st-century standard of rail travel, Slovakia will welcome the new ComfortJet trains in just a few days. Beginning on December 14, the modern sets will operate on the Prague – Bratislava – Budapest line, coinciding with the introduction of the new timetable in Slovakia.
Currently, the route is serviced by four international trains: EC Metropolitan, Hungaria, Bathory and IC Metropol. The ComfortJet units will be integrated into the EC Metropolitan category and run once daily. Each train can accommodate 555 passengers, is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and offers space for the transport of bicycles and strollers.
Because of the condition of Slovakia’s rail infrastructure, ComfortJet will operate at a maximum speed of 140 km/h on Slovak territory. Due to ongoing railway upgrades in both Slovakia and Hungary, the new trains are expected to face delays of at least 15 minutes.
Rastislav Glasa, strategy director at national rail operator ZSSK, said the company plans to introduce ComfortJet on the Bratislava – Zilina line in the future, though he did not specify when.
ComfortJet units are already in use in the Czech Republic, running between Prague and Berlin, and on selected services between Prague and Bohumin near the Polish border. They reach speeds of up to 160 km/h in Czechia and up to 200 km/h in Germany. In two years, they are expected to run at their maximum speed of 230 km/h on upgraded German tracks.
The new trains feature spacious interiors, with leatherette seating in first class and textile upholstery in second class. All carriages-including the dining car-are fully air-conditioned.
Ticket prices will remain unchanged. A Bratislava-Prague journey on EC Metropolitan services currently costs under EUR 30, while a ticket to Budapest is EUR 18.40. (The Slovak Spectator)