THE first of 14 Škoda metre-gauge LRVs equipped with batteries for catenary-free operation arrived in Eskişehir, Turkey, on March 9.

OPEN-access passenger operator Leo Express has submitted track access applications to the Czech Office for Access to Transport Infrastructure (ÚDPI) for international services to destinations in Austria, Germany, and Poland.

CZECH rail freight operator CD Cargo has launched its largest-ever procurement of new traction with the publication on January 19 of a contract notice for an international tender to supply 55 locomotives for international operations.

CZECH rolling stock manufacturer Škoda Transportation has been sold to investment company PPF, Škoda’s parent company, Cyrpus-based CEIL, announced on November 25.

CZECH open-access operator RegioJet announced on November 23 that tickets have gone on sale for its new Prague - Vienna service, which will begin operating on December 10.

THE Supervisory Board and Steering Committee of Czech Railways (ČD) has approved the procurement of more than 160 vehicles for long-distance and regional services worth about CKr 20bn ($US 910m).

THE Czech region of Karlovy Vary announced on November 3 that it will provide funding for a new weekend cross-border service between Karlovy Vary and Zwickau, where there will be connections with Mid-German S-Bahn services to Leipzig and Halle.

LEO Express announced on October 13 that it will become Poland’s first international open-access passenger operator after the country’s rail regulator, the Railway Transport Office (UTK), gave its approval for the Czech company to launch services between Krakow and Prague.

CZECH Railways (CD) has placed an order with Škoda Transportation for nine additional class 650 RegioPanter EMUs, which will be used in the Plzen region.

BAVARIAN minister of transport Mr Joachim Herrmann and Czech transport minister Mr Dan Ťok announced on July 26 that Munich - Prague services will almost double in frequency from December, with aspirations to reduce the journey time from six hours to less than four hours by 2030.