ŠKODA Group has confirmed the signing of a contract with Czech private operator RegioJet for the supply of 34 electric-battery bi-mode multiple-units.
The deal, which was announced at the end of August, is worth more than Koruna 9bn ($US 440m) and comprises 18 two-car and 16 three-car trains. Each train will be equipped with a small diesel engine for last-mile operations and battery recharging.
The trains will be based on Škoda’s Panter platform and have a dual 3kV dc and 25kV ac traction system for operation at up to 160km/h in electric mode. They will also have a battery for operation at up to 120km/h on non-electrified lines. Deployment is expected to result in a reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 19,000 tonnes annually.
The two-car sets will have capacity for 120 seated passengers and the three-car trains will have 197 seats. Each train will feature a business class section with 10 seats in the two-car version and 16 in the three-car train. Passengers will also benefit from onboard vending machines, air conditioning, modern passenger information systems, Wi-Fi, and charging sockets for electronic devices.
Each train will be equipped with ETCS, and Škoda says advanced systems for optimising energy consumption and ensuring a smooth transition between operating modes will also be installed. A remote monitoring system will further optimise maintenance costs and increase operational reliability, Škoda adds.
RegioJet will deploy the new fleet on fast train services between Prague and central and northern Bohemia. The 15-year PSO contract will start with the timetable change in December 2029 and have a total annual volume of 4.5 million train-km.
“With the new trains and the gradual modernisation of the line, we will offer passengers faster connections,” says Radim Jančura, owner of RegioJet. “The journey between Pardubice and Liberec will be shortened by almost half an hour. Our customers can look forward to modern, barrier-free travel and the high-quality service they know from our yellow trains.”
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