Fast train? It's all relative in Slovakia | Banská Bystrica to Bratislava

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  • čas přidán 4. 05. 2023
  • I've had a great time exploring both the High and the Low Tatras, but today it is time to get the R838 Urpín to Bratislava. The "R" stands for "rýchlo", which is Slovak for "fast". As it turns out, this is probably the slowest fast train I've ever been on.
    However, the seat was comfortable and the coach was beautifully turned out. And the Slovakian countryside, towns and stations were great to watch out of the window as we went along. So all in all, I had a pretty good ride.
    Departure: Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
    Destination: Bratislava, Slovakia
    Distance: 230 km / 143 miles
    Duration: 3 hrs 46 mins
    Cost: First class single ticket €16,00 / £14.10
    Date of Travel: January 2023
    Operator: ZSSK, Železničná spoločnost Slovensko
    Motive power: ZSSK Class 861 2-car DMU. Built: ŽOS Vrútky (2019-2021)
    ZSSK Class 362 electric locomotive Built: Škoda (1990)
    Thank you to everyone that supports the channel by subscribing, liking, commenting or just watching these videos. I really appreciate it!

Komentáře • 33

  • @FilFee
    @FilFee Před rokem +3

    A railway worker with a red peaked cap is the main dispatcher. There's usually only one dispatcher per station, but if there's more, the other ones wear blue caps.
    For example: The main dispatcher is the only one allowed to sign written orders given to the train crews.

  • @nuinmarnuinmar5321
    @nuinmarnuinmar5321 Před rokem +3

    Very interesting journey - thanks for sharing!

  • @cryzcryz2345
    @cryzcryz2345 Před rokem +3

    A beautiful long trip for a low price. It is a pity that the weather was not better because Slovakia is beautiful and the views from the train window would be more beautiful.
    Thank you for this video!

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem

      I agree about the weather. As I said, it was one of those days when it never really got light. I should return in the summer!
      Thank you for watching 👍

  • @LiegeEdward
    @LiegeEdward Před rokem +3

    Much love ❤️my good friend, I love your work

  • @ampersand.
    @ampersand. Před rokem +1

    The stained glass was stunning! How lovely it must be in summer sunshine. We`ve caught up with all your videos now and looking forward to more gems :D

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem

      I do love a bit of socialist realism so that window was worth the trip!
      Thank you so much for going through all 50-odd videos. What heroes! Much appreciated ❤️
      A new one coming out today, and there will be a bonus on Monday too!

  • @AndrewG1989
    @AndrewG1989 Před rokem +4

    Slovakia is still the best country in Europe. Fabulous country.

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem +1

      I certainly loved my time there. Just wish the trains were a bit quicker! 😉

    • @poulhnilica8987
      @poulhnilica8987 Před rokem +1

      @@JohnnyHooverTravels Im afraid you happened to take the slowest "fast train" we have. I would recommend trying the route from Zilina if you get a chance...

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem +2

      @@poulhnilica8987 I will. I certainly plan to return. 👍

    • @AndrewG1989
      @AndrewG1989 Před rokem

      Totally agree

  • @jimcrawford5039
    @jimcrawford5039 Před rokem +2

    Another great video! Cheers from Oz.

  • @ChrisH-1952
    @ChrisH-1952 Před rokem +2

    It wasn't much slower in the early 90s! There used to be one through train a day from BB to Bratislava (which really was 'through') otherwise you changed at Zvolen, which itself is a major railway engineering centre with an interesting past. Good to see the modern trains and that the little single railcars are performing on the branches. I think you have a discrepancy in your description copied over from a previous video (departure/destination info), but it doesn't spoil the enjoyment of this one.

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem +1

      Thank you such much for the very informative comment. I've changed the text too, so thanks for that heads up.
      So pleased you enjoyed it 👍

  • @marcinklimas2670
    @marcinklimas2670 Před rokem +3

    Red is for dyżurny ruchu in polish, traffic signalbox menager. He give the permition to ride from the platform. Its normal in this part of continental Europe, or ex Soviet Union.

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem +2

      Thanks! But that does answer why it happened in the past but not necessarily why it still happens? They stand outside with their red hat on, even if the train is not stopping. Given that the signals give the permission to continue, what practical use are they in 2023?

    • @marcinklimas2670
      @marcinklimas2670 Před rokem +2

      @@JohnnyHooverTravels First you make a road to the train in a signalbox. It is often in station building on small station. Then get off the office to look for running. When the train pass by, you come back to your office. The same situation on small junctions, or road crossing. You can not pass, when he/she don't stay or look from the window. That is the law of the rails.

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem +1

      @@marcinklimas2670 thank you for that! 👍

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem +2

      My mistake was thinking that the person was a station manager, when actually their primary role is a traffic manager / signaller.
      1. Signaller is offered the train into their section
      2. Signaller accepts train and sets signals to "clear"
      3. Signaller confirms with driver visually that the train has passed into the section and left the previous section.
      4. Signaller sets "train in section" and also confirms with previous signaller that the train has now left the previous section - driver is reassured that the signaller has seen their train entering the section (and leaving the previous section) and will therefore not send another train into the section until this one has left it. The red hat makes it easy for the driver to spot the signaller at the trackside.

  • @NetroYT
    @NetroYT Před 7 měsíci +2

    Thank you for the video. What mobile app do you use to measure the speed of the train?

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před 7 měsíci +1

      This is the app i use
      apps.apple.com/app/id1445284873?at=1001lcYH&ct=tf
      Thanks for watching 👍

  • @colinriley123
    @colinriley123 Před rokem +1

    On of those days! Weather, delay, and an empty carriage. A train needs a bit of bustle as well as line speed. Yet there were plenty of positives, the design and caredforness of stations and subways were exceptional. The stained glass was worth the trip by itself. You just needed a comfy bar at the end--something like Wemyss Bay.
    I just had as many goes spelling WB as you had with the Slovak pronunciation.

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem

      Yeah. I was really tired by the end of the trip, as the video implies (did you watch to the end for the Easter egg?)
      The stations are lovely and yes, worth the trip just for that window. I arrived the day before in darkness so seeing it the next day was a revelation. I struggle with Czech/Slovak but I love that the accents tell you how to say it. Not saying I get it right all the time, but I wish English had accents to give you a clue!

    • @colinriley123
      @colinriley123 Před rokem

      Yes. And I have just replayed it but I can’t find an Easter egg.

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem +1

      @@colinriley123 the bit at the very end where i get it all wrong

    • @colinriley123
      @colinriley123 Před rokem

      @@JohnnyHooverTravels I am being dumb. I am looking for a literal Easter egg!

    • @JohnnyHooverTravels
      @JohnnyHooverTravels  Před rokem

      @@colinriley123 hahahaha! I suppose I assumed because I've worked in IT for so long! My bad...
      Easter egg
      noun
      1.
      an artificial chocolate egg or decorated hard-boiled egg given at Easter.
      2.
      an unexpected or undocumented feature in a piece of computer software or on a DVD, included as a joke or a bonus.