Almost 200 new and modernised carriages, locomotives and electric and diesel multi-carriage units will be put into operation this year by ČD. The carrier is planning to invest a total of CZK 7 billion this year in purchasing new rail vehicles and in modernising existing ones.

Passengers in regional transport are in for the most changes. The first electric units from Škoda Transportation’s RegioPanter family of trains will be put into operation. Deliveries of RegioShuttle RS1 railcars from the company Stadler Rail will also continue. New LINK II diesel units manufactured by Polish company PESA will be put into operation as well. The trains will operate in various regions of the Czech Republic.

Common characteristics of all of these modern trains are accessibility and low-platform solutions, modern air-conditioned interiors with upholstered seats, accessible WCs with a closed system, a modern audio-visual information system and 230V electrical outlets for charging passengers’ small electronic devices, such as laptops.

In long-distance transport, modernised restaurant carriages have been equipped with air-conditioning, new interiors and kitchen amenities which make it possible to prepare modern gastronomy. The carriages are intended for lines from Prague to Ostrava, to Wallachia, to Brno and also abroad, for example to Poland, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Modernised “Spectacled” locomotives and class 380 locomotives gradually being put into test operation are also intended for long-distance transport.

At present, ČD has 5,150 locomotives, passenger carriages, electric or diesel units and railcars.