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Nostalgic train – rides to beauties of Košice region and surroundings
Published on 11 September 2018
Slovakia
Východné Slovensko
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The nostalgic train is an alternative to car use for visiting touristic attractions in the areas where regular railway transport was stopped by state. This private transport offer fills a gap, where some time ago a regular public train service was operating, to reach the attractions by public transport. If the state does not provide public transport in some areas, private services can be an alternative.
Since passenger transport was stopped on some regional railway lines and the only way to reach touristic attractions in these areas were individual cars, a new transport service was offered to tourists through “event trains”. Along selected regional routes, nostalgic “event trains” are only a seasonal tourism offer (from May until September). In some particular cases it is even interesting to have regular rides during the high season. Making these regions accessible by railway again, offers a new and attractive experience to tourists and helps to disadvantage individual car use. The marketing strategy of the nostalgic “event trains” is based on visiting the famous and interesting UNESCO sites near Košice by a sustainable mobility offer.
Children's Railway Košice civic association provides train rides for pre-arranged events and trips to reach touristic attractions. 70% of all the events are organised by the association itself and 30% are on external request. Unfortunately, the association is not able to respond to all requests.
Since passenger transport was stopped on some regional railway lines and the only way to reach touristic attractions in these areas were individual cars, a new transport service was offered to tourists through “event trains”. Along selected regional routes, nostalgic “event trains” are only a seasonal tourism offer (from May until September). In some particular cases it is even interesting to have regular rides during the high season. Making these regions accessible by railway again, offers a new and attractive experience to tourists and helps to disadvantage individual car use. The marketing strategy of the nostalgic “event trains” is based on visiting the famous and interesting UNESCO sites near Košice by a sustainable mobility offer.
Children's Railway Košice civic association provides train rides for pre-arranged events and trips to reach touristic attractions. 70% of all the events are organised by the association itself and 30% are on external request. Unfortunately, the association is not able to respond to all requests.
Expert opinion
The nostalgic train is a good example of providing sustainable, seasonal transportation for a touristic region that builds upon existing cultural heritage. It is particularly interesting that services can be provided upon request, and not only on a regular timetable. Transferability to other regions will rely largely on the presence of existing infrastructure.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The association employs 2 people full time but a large amount of people - around 50 work on voluntary basis. The activities of the association could not be realized without the financial support of the partners and sponsors. The association received almost 50 000 € from public funds since 2009.
Evidence of success
TThe practice is considered as successful as the interest for the event rides is increasing each year. The association is not able to satisfy every request due to other activities within the narrow gauge railway and due to difficulties mentioned in “difficulties encountered”.
In 2009, when the activities of the association started, two rides were offered. This number has risen continuously up to 16 rides in 2017. The train usually consists of 3 carriages with a capacity of 45 people each.
In 2009, when the activities of the association started, two rides were offered. This number has risen continuously up to 16 rides in 2017. The train usually consists of 3 carriages with a capacity of 45 people each.
Potential for learning or transfer
The practice shows potential for other regions where passenger transport was stopped. As this happened on some regional railway lines at the Eastern part of Slovakia and touristic attractions could not be reached by regular train, an initiative with event rides was launched in the year 2009. The rising number of rides over the years shows that the practice is a little success in the region and could be transferred to other regions.
Except inhabitants of Kosice other direct beneficiaries are also local operators of tourist attractions located in the catchment area with access to the “event trains”. The cooperation helped to develop tourist packages that combine transport services with access to tourist attractions. Nostalgic “event trains” shows that in the case of an active search for financing, even seasonal transport solutions can be profitable.
Except inhabitants of Kosice other direct beneficiaries are also local operators of tourist attractions located in the catchment area with access to the “event trains”. The cooperation helped to develop tourist packages that combine transport services with access to tourist attractions. Nostalgic “event trains” shows that in the case of an active search for financing, even seasonal transport solutions can be profitable.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
OZ DETSKÁ ŽELEZNICA KOŠICE (Children's Railway Košice civic association)
Slovakia
Východné Slovensko
Contact
project manager