ČD Cargo ordered the last 11 Traxx 3MS locomotives as part of a framework contract signed in 2018 with Bombardier Transportation GmbH (now Alstom) for the purchase of 10 such locomotives. The contract also included various options for up to 50 locomotives.
CZK 1 billion (EUR 40 million) is the value of this contract under which the new locomotives will be delivered in 2026.
In addition to the original contract, ČD Cargo has purchased 10 more Traxx 3MS locomotives, which are expected to be delivered in 2025 and operated by the Austrian branch of ČD Cargo.
The ordered locomotives will be equipped with Atlas – ETCS Level 2, Baseline 3 – and EbiCab signalling and safety equipment.
The amendment to exercise the option has been signed by Tomáš Tóth, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ČD Cargo, Martin Svojanovský, Member of the Board of Directors of ČD Cargo, and Daniel Kurucz, Managing Director of Alstom Czech Republic.
The locomotives will operate not only in the Czech Republic but also in Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia.
The programme to renew the locomotive fleet is a necessary condition for the expansion of the largest domestic rail freight carrier to foreign markets, especially in Germany and Austria.
The share of ČD Cargo’s foreign transport is steadily growing. In 2023, the Czech rail operator transported more than 12 million tonnes of goods through its branches or subsidiaries. ČD Cargo locomotives can now already be seen in seven European countries, and plans are underway to enter other markets, such as Italy and the Benelux countries.
The Traxx 3MS locomotives are operated in the Czech Republic as the 388 series. In 2020, when Bombardier’s rail division was purchased by the French company Alstom, it was assumed all obligations under the signed contract.
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