Private rail operator RegioJet will acquire 34 hybrid train units from Škoda Group in a contract worth CZK 9 billion. The new fleet will operate from December 2029 on key routes in northeastern Bohemia, following RegioJet’s victory in the Ministry of Transport’s largest long-distance passenger rail tender to date. The state has committed to pay CZK 11.63 billion for 15 years of operation. The hybrid units, known as BEDMU (battery electric diesel engine units), are designed for non-electrified lines and can run on both electric power from overhead lines and battery storage. They are also equipped with diesel engines using HVO synthetic fuel to extend range, while reducing environmental impact. According to the companies, the deployment of these trains could cut annual CO₂ emissions by up to 19,000 tonnes. The units are also designed to be convertible into fully battery or fully electric configurations as rail infrastructure develops. RegioJet plans to introduce the trains on routes from Pardubice to Liberec, Liberec to Ústí nad Labem, Kolín to Rumburk, and Prague to Tanvald and Rumburk. The operator expects journey times to improve significantly, with the Pardubice–Liberec trip shortened by nearly 30 minutes once the trains and track upgrades are in place. The trains will be fully accessible and fitted with modern passenger amenities. Of the 34 units, 18 will be two-car sets with 120 seats and 16 will be three-car sets with 197 seats. Production will take place in the Czech Republic, and Škoda Group has stated that most suppliers will also be domestic. “This order represents an important step for Czech industry and will strengthen the position of local suppliers in the rail sector,” said Petr Novotný, director at Škoda Group. The northeast Bohemia region has lagged in rail modernization, with no electrified lines in the Liberec Region and journey times resembling those of the 1930s. RegioJet’s director of strategy, Jiří Schmidt, noted that the company is prepared to support infrastructure development and even participate in public-private partnership (PPP) projects to ensure investments are used effectively. RegioJet won the tender against competitors Arriva, Czech Railways, and Leo Express, offering the lowest overall price. Daily compensation is expected to exceed CZK 1.99 million, equivalent to about CZK 170 per kilometre. This is around 10–20% higher than Arriva’s current rate, though Arriva operates older rolling stock. The order underlines both RegioJet’s long-term strategy to expand services and the Czech government’s push to modernize regional rail while reducing emissions. Source: CTK