City train to Zelenikovo: punctual, cheap — but half‑empty

The new city train running between Zelenikovo and Skopje is punctual and cheap, but remains underused: most services run with only a handful of passengers even during busy hours. A single ticket costs 40 denars and a return 70 denars, and the trip from central Skopje to Zelenikovo takes under 30 minutes.

In the early morning, the platform at Zelenikovo is quiet. The first train of the day opens its doors just before 6:20 a.m.; only a few people board and the carriage remains far from full. Passengers who regularly use the line say they avoid the morning traffic and reach work faster than by bus or car.

One commuter described the change in timetables: “At that time the Bitola train used to come, so it worked for me too — it departs at 6:20, it should be around here, but this one is different, it runs on a full‑day timetable. So I'm now at work in about twenty minutes.”

Access, schedule and habits limit take‑up

The train stops at several stations on its way to Skopje — Jane Sandanski, Dračevo and Lisice — and the journey is usually steady; on the day of the report there were only minor delays, mostly a 3–5 minute wait in Dračevo caused by a crossing with a train heading to Veles. For the full trip from Zelenikovo to Skopje the train needed less than 30 minutes.

Tickets are sold on board by the conductor and payment must be in cash; card payments are not accepted. Many potential users live some distance from the railway stops: Google Maps walking times from parts of Dračevo to the station vary between roughly 5 and 35 minutes. Lack of organized parking and the last stretch being unpleasant to walk reduce the train’s attractiveness — though smaller personal vehicles such as bicycles and e‑scooters can be taken on board.

Residents praise the speed but criticise the timetable. “I think only one night line should be introduced for younger people, after 12:00–1:00; young people here are somewhat handicapped when going out in the city,” one Zelenikovo resident said. A regular female user added: “In my opinion the timetable isn't aligned with many workers' schedules. I think some change to the timetable should be made….”

People in Dračevo point to distance and the existing bus tradition as obstacles. “First, it's far for them. Second, everyone goes to work by bus and pensioners don't go; they wait for the bus days. Third — there are no companies where to work. I used to work at the railway and I know, I used to issue around 1,200 student and worker passes to Zelenikovo; now there's nothing,” a Dračevo resident said. Others stressed the extra time and cost to reach the station by car or foot.

About two months after the line’s promotion, the test shows the service is reliable and fast, but capacity remains widely unused because people are not yet accustomed to it, the timetable does not suit many shifts and stations are not easily accessible. Authorities plan to open two additional lines soon — one via Madžari to Miladinovci and another via Skopje North to Gjorče Petrov and Volkovo — which could change the network’s reach and appeal.

Photo: press material from the event