The Railways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina informed the public that from March 1, 2026, they will increase the prices of passenger transport by 20 percent.
At the same time, it will abolish commercial privileges in the amount of 50 percent, for the transportation of groups of 30 or more passengers.
Transportation prices will increase due to the increase in train costs, which include the cost of electricity, fuel, lubricants, maintenance and operation.
The last time the FBiH Railways made a minimal price correction in 2022, and only for routes up to 30 km. Before that, in the period from 2012 to 2020, they only once increased the price of services in passenger traffic by 20 percent.
Also, the Committee of the Public Passenger Transport Group at the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina requested the harmonization of railway prices with road transport prices.
According to comparative analyses, the prices of transportation in rail transport for an adequate tariff category and rank of train are, on average, lower by 41 to 51% than the price of road transport.
Digitization and service improvement
In addition to the price increase, the FBiH Railways plan to raise the quality of service in passenger traffic and make it easier for passengers to purchase tickets, and the public procurement procedure for the implementation of the electronic ticket payment system has been launched, announced the FBiH Railways.
The introduction of a digital ticket sales and collection system will significantly facilitate the process of purchasing tickets for passengers, while at the same time optimizing the business of JP ŽFBiH doo Sarajevo.
From the perspective of passengers, digitization should bring a significant improvement in the quality of service, through the possibility of buying tickets online, via mobile phone or in other ways, faster entry into the train via a QR code, the possibility of seat reservations, simpler refunds and ticket changes, as well as the creation of a more professional and modern image of ŽFBiH.
The electronic ticket sales system represents an important basis for the integration of railway traffic with tourism, especially within the framework of the development of the tourist train project.
In this way, it will be possible to sell tourist packages online (train + excursion + additional services), connect with travel agencies and platforms, and sell tickets to foreign tourists before their arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The digital system should provide accurate and realistic data on passenger traffic, including the precise number of passengers per line, train, day and route, as well as a realistic picture of train occupancy.
These data represent a high-quality basis for planning timetables and capacity, facilitate planning and justification of subsidies, as it enables accurate proof of the number of passengers on lines of interest to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a clear separation of commercial and subsidized lines, and a stronger argument for increasing budget allocations.
The introduction of this digital system also represents preparation for future modernization, including integration with other forms of public transport, the introduction of a unique transport ticket in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, smart cards and digital wallets.
New infrastructure
One of the strategically important projects is the construction of new railway stations in the area of Sarajevo Canton. In cooperation with the competent municipalities and institutions of the Canton of Sarajevo, the construction of a total of 18 modern railway stations, distributed on key sections of the railway network, is planned.
The new stops will contribute to a better integration of the railway with other forms of public transport, reducing traffic jams, and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly forms of transport.
