Matej Franc of METRANS Rail Slovakia Becomes New President of AROS: "We Will Push Freight Rail Forward"

The new President of the Association of Railway Operators of Slovakia (AROS) is Matej Franc from METRANS Rail Slovakia. He intends to continue ongoing projects and strengthen the development of freight rail transport.

Matej Franc, Managing Director of METRANS Rail Slovakia, has been elected President of AROS. Until now, Franc served as First Vice President of the Association and will replace Ján Biznár in his new position. The announcement was made during the 13th annual Horizons of Rail Transport Conference, jointly organised by AROS and the University of Žilina. RAILTARGET was present at the event and brings an exclusive interview with the new President of AROS.

Mr Franc, you have just become President of AROS. How do you feel in your new role, and what will be the next steps?

I feel good. Until now, I worked as the First Vice President of the Association of Freight Railway Operators in Slovakia. After the new elections, I have moved to the position of President, so I will have new responsibilities. I will strive to maintain the current pace so that we can finalise existing matters and also launch new projects that will move freight rail transport in Slovakia forward.

You are also the Director of METRANS Rail Slovakia. How will your new role affect your position within the company?

Yes, I am the Managing Director of the carrier METRANS Rail Slovakia, currently the second-largest freight rail operator in Slovakia by performance. I will need to balance both roles so that my work for my employer is not significantly affected. Naturally, I will have to devote more time to my function as President of AROS.

You also operate a major centre in Dunajská Streda. Will you aim to improve the line’s capacity there, which has long been an issue?

Yes, our company is based in Dunajská Streda, where we have the largest combined transport terminal in Slovakia. We face capacity problems there since it is a single-track line of ŽSR. We are in communication with the Ministry of Transport as well as with ŽSR, with whom we are actively addressing the issue. We already have some commitments and time plans, so things should start to move forward. I believe we will find a compromise, and step by step, we will achieve a successful result in this matter.