CZECH Railways (ČD) has launched an international tender for up to 120 new trains with an estimated value of up to Koruna 14.8bn ($US 650m) as it seeks to strengthen its position in readiness for the competitive tendering of regional services in the Czech Republic.

CZECH rail freight operator ČD Cargo has confirmed it will order 10 Traxx MS3 multi-system electric locomotives from Bombardier together with four additional Siemens Vectron MS locomotives, supplementing the eight units already in service.

LEO Express confirmed on August 1 that it has secured 15 Alstom Lint DMUs as part of its bid to secure a chunk of the Czech regional passenger rail market.

CZECH private operator RegioJet has won its first tender to operate regional services in the Czech Republic. The company already operates tendered regional services in Slovakia and open-access long distance services from Prague to Vienna, Bratislava and Kosice.

THE first Leo Express service to Krakow departed on July 20 from platform 1B at Prague's main railway station, becoming the first long-distance open-access passenger operator and the only Czech passenger train operator in Poland.

CZECH open-access operator Leo Express announced on June 20 that tickets have gone on sale for its new Prague - Krakow service, which will begin operating on July 20.

Liberalisation has helped to spur innovation and investment in the Czech passenger rail sector, driving sustained growth in ridership. With plans for competitive tendering of PSO contracts, newcomers are preparing for the next phase of market opening, as Keith Barrow and Quintus Vosman report from Prague.

PASSENGER services have resumed on the line between Walbrzych in southwest Poland and Meziměstí in the north of the Czech Republic.

CZECH rolling stock manufacturer Škoda Transportation Group has acquired the remaining 25% stake in Finnish train builder Transtech for an undisclosed sum.