Agreement to improve competition in the road transport sector!

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Another consultation launched to improve the situation of road hauliers! The LÁKOM (Logistics Sector Coordination Working Group) working group is composed of members from the government side and from the stakeholders’ side. It operates on the basis of agreed agendas and the points set out in the 1033 governmental boundary. The issues to promote competitiveness are set out in 16 points!

It was necessary because of the downturn in the sector, both internationally and domestically. The previous government intention was to increase the sector’s GDP productive capacity from the current 5-6% to 10% in the long term. Current economic conditions are pointing more towards a decline!

Of the 16 points, the points that affect our passenger transport:

  1. a large user toll rebate – unfortunately not supported by the ministry, despite strong criticism. It is also our personal experience that the majority of partners are not willing to take over the costs of tolls! If we incorporate the HUGO charge into our tariffs, it will also be left to us, as we will not necessarily be able to pass on the costs of high inflation to our customers. If we have the option and “off-load” vehicles from toll roads, it is likely that in the long run this will only benefit the customer, due to faster depreciation caused by poor quality roads!

2nd regulation on fines – ignoring the reservations of professional organisations, we are faced with drastic increases in fines.

  1. limiting the amount of fuel that can be imported tax-free – this is also a Hungarian market protection issue. In fact, the main objective would be to prevent imports of Ukrainian diesel.
  2. the rate of excise duty refundable on commercial gas oil – a tighter working committee has been set up to set the rate, with continuous data analysis (it would be important that the maximum rate set by EU legislation is set for 2025)
  3. bus market surveillance fee – we would like to see this completely removed from the legislation! This is a hollow piece of legislation with no compensation from the authorities for the fee paid!
  4. reduction/abolition of VAT on school trips – already rejected by the government! But there is a serious downturn in market demand. It is also a fact that the special service cannot compete in price with the travel discount introduced by the MÁV-VOLÁN group. But the time, flexibility, comfort and planning certainty of the service can! The customer can decide what is the priority for him!

Of the points I have just listed, some have already been rejected! I would be happy to report on the implementation of the other points, on the effectiveness of the consultation, if the government really intends to improve competitiveness and increase GDP!