Bucharest-Brasov is the busiest railway route, with 7 million passengers. Private operators have secured a 45% share for 10 years.
Daily during the week, 32 trains depart from Bucharest North Station to Brasov, one of the most traveled railway routes, of which 18 are operated by the state company CFR Călători, and the rest are trains from private operators Softrans, Regio Călători, Astra Trans Carpatic, and Transferoviar Călători. On Saturdays, 36 trains depart for the mountains, of which 20 are operated by CFR Călători.
Private operators have thus secured 45% of this railway line in terms of number of routes, and operating contracts are awarded for 10 years starting from 2022.
The stakes are the nearly 7 million passengers who traveled on this route last year. At an average fare of 50 RON (10 EUR) per ticket and based on last year’s traffic, the Bucharest-Brasov line would represent a market of 350 million RON (70 million EUR) annually.
In 2022, the Railway Reform Authority concluded public service contracts with passenger rail transport operators for a period of 10 years, through direct award. These contracts are approved by GD no. 1453/08.12.2022.
The private operator with the most runs on this route, specifically seven trains to Brasov, is Regio Călători from Brasov, the largest private player in the passenger rail transport market. The company operates routes on Bucharest-Brasov and Bucharest-Constanta, these being the routes with the highest competition, given they are also the most requested by passengers. Regio Călători, owned by Tănase Georgeta, reported a turnover of 255 million RON last year, a 17% increase compared to the previous year. However, the carrier had a net profit of 2 million RON.
On the other hand, Softrans, part of the Softronic group from Craiova, where the largest shareholder is Ionel Ghiță, has three round trips on this route.
Also, the company Astra Trans Carpatic, part of Valer Blidar’s group, secured four round trips on Bucharest – Brasov.
Furthermore, private carrier Transferoviar Călători (Călin Mitică) has two round trips on this route and has seen increasing traffic.
The top five largest private passenger rail carriers are Regio Călători (Brasov), Transferoviar Călători (Cluj Napoca), Interregional Călători (Cluj Napoca), Softrans (Craiova), and Astra Trans Carpatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most traveled railway route in Romania?
The Bucharest-Brasov route is the busiest in the country, recording approximately 7 million passengers annually.
What share do private operators have on the Bucharest-Brasov line?
Private railway companies currently operate 45% of the total runs on this route, following 10-year contracts awarded in 2022.
What is the estimated market value of the Bucharest-Brasov rail route?
With 7 million passengers and an average ticket price of 50 RON, the route represents an annual market of approximately 70 million EUR.