Disagreements over the planned privatization of Volán, Hungary’s regional bus transport provider have resulted in the government taking opposing sides on the issue. With respect to Volán, the important part is not who owns it but to make passenger transport profitable and sustainable, Miklós Tátrai, director of the country’s national asset management agency (MNV) stated at a press conference on Tuesday. Currently, the gap between revenues and expenses is Ft 20 billion to Ft 25 billion (€86.5 million to €108.2 million). Hír TV writes that Tátrai said privatization of the companies was not discussed at the meeting of the National Asset Management Council (NVT) where a mid-term asset strategy was accepted.
According to Napi.hu (subsription only), the government will discuss opportunities for privatizing the Volán subsidiary companies over the upcoming days, while different viewpoints within the cabinet regarding the question have been formed. Some support selling the companies by the middle of next year, but others would wait with privatization until the situation surrounding the companies is settled.
Leaders of the Public Road Transport Trade Union oppose selling Volán. The organization said it would use all legal means to stop privatization. Zala Volán would raise fares in order to reduce losses, however, the government has said it would not support raising ticket prices.