Bus passenger transport in Serbia gives birth to a new monopoly elite: How the tycoon is growing

Serbia's passenger transport sector is witnessing the rise of a new monopoly elite, primarily driven by the expansion of the private company Strela. This company has been strategically acquiring existing transport services, consolidating its market power.

Most notably, Strela purchased the state-owned company Lasta, a significant move that transferred a major public service provider into private hands. This acquisition alone signaled a substantial shift in the competitive landscape of bus transportation within Serbia.

Following the Lasta acquisition, Strela reportedly had plans to further expand its influence by taking over the operations of GSP Beograd, the public transport company of the capital city. Such a move would have further cemented Strela's dominant position, potentially creating a near-monopoly in urban and intercity bus services.

However, this ambitious arrangement to absorb GSP Beograd's business was recently canceled. The reasons for the cancellation were not detailed in the provided information, but the development halts Strela's immediate consolidation of Belgrade's public transport system.