Changes in the Integrated Transport System in the Bratislava Region
24. 05. 2023
Bratislava, 24 May 2023 - As of 1 July 2023, fares in the Integrated Transport System in the Bratislava Region (IDS BK) will be revised. The new rates will apply to all carriers involved in the IDS BK, i.e. Railway Company Slovakia (ZSSK), ARRIVA Mobility Solutions and Bratislava Transport Company (DPB). This is a response to increased costs, inflation and shortfalls in the revenues of municipalities which contract public transport.
In recent months, carriers in the Bratislava region have optimised their operations and implemented cost-saving measures to minimise the impact of rising passenger costs. In addition to reducing energy consumption, DPB has, for example, introduced a policy of all stops being request stops, which is expected to result in annual savings of around half a million euros. However, the cost-saving measures put in place are not sufficient to cover the shortfalls that transport operators and municipalities have to face.
As a result of inflation (skyrocketing energy and spare parts prices), legislative changes enforced by the government over the last year, which have deprived the city of tens of millions of euros per annum, and the necessary valorisation of wages in the case of DPB, Bratislava's budgetary options are very limited.
Public transport procurers were faced with two options: (1) either to reduce and worsen the availability and quality of public transport or (2) to increase ticket prices, at least to partially cover the higher costs and budget shortfalls. The first option would entail cancelling some lines or curtailing their frequency or maintenance. The procurers and the BID have agreed on the second option, which will not compromise the quality or reliability of public transport, one of the essential services used by tens of thousands of passengers every day. The revised fares will apply from 1 July 2023.
Affordable public transport is a sustainable mode of mobility in large cities and regions, and the interest of the procurers is to develop and strengthen the service in individual areas. By mutual agreement between the provider and the procurers of transport in IDS BK, a new tariff comes into force at the beginning of the summer holidays, which reflects cumulative inflation since 2021, when the fare was last adjusted. If inflation exceeds 3%, BID proposes, in accordance with the agreement and established practice, a change to the tariff that takes inflation into account.
Adjusted ticket price and fare changes
Prices of almost all types of tickets for public transport in Bratislava will increase by an average of 20% from 1 July 2023. The exception is pre-paid tickets for children and young people aged 6 to 18, which will remain at the current rate. The discounted price for the purchase of single tickets online and the significantly lower price of an annual subscription ticket when compared to single tickets will remain intact.
At the same time, with effect from 1 July 2023, the rates of penalties are adjusted as follows:
The basic rate will be €110.00 plus the fare 1,10 €, in total: €111.10. The reduced penalty rate will be in the case of payment on the spot and within 10 working days: €80.00 plus the fare €1.10, total of €81.10.