České dráhy (ČD) has announced a tender for the acquisition of 160 diesel multiple units able to run at speeds of 120 km/h with an initial order for 33 trainsets.
The additional DMUs will be acquired according to the transport demand.
“With the announced tender, we want to cover any requirements of the customers for which we want to offer a high level of travel comfort,” Václav Nebeský, the CEO of ČD.
Under the tender, the new diesel multiple units will have a capacity for 120 passengers, and they will be equipped with air conditioning.
They will be barrier-free and adapted to the passengers with reduced mobility. They will be equipped with audiovisual information system providing information on train journeys and stops including for the blind passengers for which Braille inscriptions will be installed and various reflective elements that will make an easier travel. The DMUs will have large and special places for wheelchairs as well for bicycles and luggage.
The new trains will have ergonomically designed seats at the first and second class, the floor of the vehicle will must match with the modern platforms. The sliding doors will be activated by buttons. The trains will be equipped with sockets, USB ports and Wi-Fi connection.
High operational safety will be ensured by equipping them with the most modern European train protection system ETCS and GSM-R.
The new DMUs will be able to be combined for up to three units into one train to provide additional capacity to meet transport demand.
According to Michal Kraus, the deputy general manager for operations at České dráhy, the company is preparing for possibility of the procurement of emission-free trains. “We mainly monitor the development and experience the battery trains, which are a suitable solution for our railway network. We will use this information in the internal discussion on the parameters and preparation of conditions for the operation of these low-emission trains in the Czech Republic. As soon as our customers are ready to order transport services on the non-electrified lines using battery trains, we will also announce a tender for the acquisition of these trains of the future,” Michal Kraus explained.
The future purchase battery-powered trains will be conditioned by securing financing and support for the procurement of ecological trains, for example by the European Union or the Czech Republic. ČD has received in December 2019 a EUR 134 million loan from the EIB to support the purchase of 37 Škoda trains.
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