CZECH private operator Regiojet is to order 34 electric-battery bi-mode multiple units from Škoda Group. The value of the deal has not yet been disclosed, but Škoda will provide 18 two-car and 16 three-car sets, all of which will include a small diesel engine for last mile operations and battery recharging.
The order follows RegioJet’s win of a PSO contract for fast train services between Prague and central and northern Bohemia. The 15-year contract will start with the timetable change in December 2029 and have a total annual volume of 4.5 million train-km.
The selection by the Czech Ministry of Transport was based on price only. RegioJet made the lowest bid of Koruna 1.74bn ($US 83m), including a commitment to order new rolling stock. As there were no appeals from the three other bidders - incumbent Arriva, plus Czech Railways (ČD) and Leo Express - the contract has been declared final.
The contract covers fast train services over the following routes:
- Line 14A: Liberec - Pardubice
- Line 14B: Liberec - Děčín - Ústí nad Labem
- Line 21: Prague - Tanvald
- Line 22: Kolin - Rumburk, and
- Line 24: Prague - Rumburk
Arriva currently operates all of these services apart from Line 24 which is new. They include lines either that are entirely or partially electrified and are currently operated using former German Rail (DB) class 845 and class 642 Desiro two-car DMUs.
An exclusive feature on RegioJet’s plans for future growth is included in IRJ’s September issue.
