Czech Company to compete with state operator

Czech rail company Student Agency (SA) has announced plans to launch a privately operated rail service between the Czech cities of Prague and Ostrava by 2011.

SA already runs an extensive coach service but this is its first venture into rail travel, with the purchase of six electric train sets from Siemens or Stadler.

The company will have to compete on the route with Czech rail's Pendolino service.

The launch cost is estimated at $120m.

By Louis Makiello