The European Commission approved a EUR 223 million funding for the acquisition of new 36 electric trains in the Czech Republic.
The first trains are expected to enter services in the spring of 2021, running at speeds of 160 km/h. Starting 2023, when all ordered trains will enter operation in South Moravia, they will provide more than 10,000 seats, offering passengers safer, faster and more comfortable journeys.
“This type of projects are crucial to motivate citizens to choose greener and safer ways of travelling. I am happy that Cohesion policy is helping Czech people to benefit from modern, more comfortable and efficient rail services, while contributing to making the European Green Deal a reality,” Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said.
Recently, the European Investment Bank has also approved a EUR 134 million for the train procurement project, which has an estimated value of EUR 280 million (CZK 7143 million).
The authorities of South Moravian Region have approved the acquisition of 36 trains from Škoda Transportation, which are expected to enter commercial operation on the lines linking Brno to Tišnov, Blansko, Břeclav and Křenovice.
In Spring, the Škoda Transportation – Škoda Vagonka consortium signed a 8-year framework agreement with České dráhy for the supply of up to 50 RegioPanter EMUs. In addition to this agreement, a CZK 3.6 billion (EUR 141 million) contract for 31 electric units was signed. The total value of the contracts signed with the consortium is estimated at CZK 6 billion (EUR 235 million).
The units will be equipped with a modern information system, Wi-Fi, a CCTV system, an automatic train control system and ETCS system.
The trains will have a capacity of 140 seated passengers and will be designed to operate on a 3 kV Dc and 25 kV AC system. The low-floor EMUs facilitate boarding for people with reduced mobility as well as others, especially wheelchair users and seniors, but also bikers and mothers with children. They are also equipped with multifunctional spaces for bikes and baby prams.
Under the EU 2014-2020 budget, the Czech Republic has received EUR 6.7 billion funding to improve transport services across the country.
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