ZSSK Notes Train Delays of 100 minutes on Average near Kosice

Kosice, 7 January (TASR) - National rail passenger carrier ZSSK has registered dozens of train delays in eastern Slovakia, especially around Kosice, due to adverse weather conditions, with the delays concerning both regional and long-distance trains, ZSSK spokesman Jan Bacek told TASR on Wednesday. Significant train delays of some 100 minutes on average have been recorded since 5 a.m. on Wednesday, said Bacek, adding that the delays have been even longer in some cases. ZSSK ascribed the delays to technical limitations on rail infrastructure managed by rail-infrastructure owner ZSR. "Due to the adverse weather, the infrastructure manager at Kosice station has limited ability to switch the points, which has significantly affected the smoothness of rail transport," said Bacek. Smooth transport can only be resumed when the weather improves and the rail infrastructure at Kosice junction becomes fully functional again. ZSR specified that due to the heavy snowfall, the points at Kosice station have been covered by snow. "Such situations are common in the winter, especially in January, and they correspond to standard operating circumstances. ZSR staff are taking action in line with applicable regulations and are constantly clearing snow from the points," added ZSR's communications department. ko/df