Stadler has announced plans to install an additional traction system on trains operated by Leo Express, a private Central European transport company. The upgrades follow infrastructure improvements in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, transitioning parts of their rail networks to the European standard of 25kV/50Hz AC. This new system will complement the existing 3kV DC traction currently in use.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia are in the process of modernizing their railway infrastructure by replacing older 3kV DC systems with the newer 25kV/50Hz AC standard. In response, Leo Express is retrofitting its Stadler FLIRT trains with dual-traction systems, ensuring compatibility with the updated networks.
The project is supported by a subsidy from the Czech Ministry of Transport, allowing Leo Express to enhance its five-car FLIRT train fleet. Once equipped with dual-traction capability, the trains will seamlessly operate across different electrical systems in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland, improving cross-border service reliability and flexibility.
On January 23, 2025, Leo Express officially commissioned Stadler to implement the traction upgrades. The work will be conducted at Stadler’s Frauenfeld facility in Switzerland, with additional support from Czech suppliers. This collaboration highlights an international effort to modernize rail transport in the region.
The project involves significant hardware and software adaptations. The 25kV system will be integrated into the Train Control and Management System (TCMS), along with an upgraded diagnostic system and a new control feature for switching between the two traction modes. Additionally, a weight assessment, body strength test, and technical running and brake tests will be carried out to ensure the modifications meet safety and operational standards.
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