Czech railway news
News about railway, metro and tram infrastructure, operations, policy, projects and the supply industry in the Czech Republic, from Railway Gazette International.
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In depthResearch: AŽD Praha's autonomous train is on track
Following successful passenger carrying trials with its prototype autonomous train on the Kopidlnka line, AŽD Praha is looking to optimise the technology for commercial operations to start in 2029. Chris Jackson reports from Dětenice.
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NewsŠkoda Group and Microvast to produce battery systems for public transport
CZECH REPUBLIC: Škoda Group has entered a strategic partnership with US electric vehicle battery technology company Microvast to develop and manufacture battery systems for public transport applications.
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NewsRegioJet orders battery-electric-diesel trains as the best option for partly-electrified routes
CZECH REPUBLIC: RegioJet has signed a KC9bn contract for Škoda Group to supply 18 two-car and 16 three-car battery-electric-diesel multiple-units for use on routes that are not yet electrified.
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NewsOstrava trams to be fitted with anti-collision system
CZECH REPUBLIC: Ostrava transport operator DPO has awarded Bosch Engineering a KC37m contract to fit an anti-collision system to 38 Škoda 39T ForCity Smart trams.
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NewsRegioJet and Leo Express target Warszawa – Kraków route
POLAND: RegioJet is launching daily Warszawa – Kraków services on September 18, with Leo Express planning to extend its Praha – Kraków service to Warszawa next March, following regulatory approval.
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NewsRegioJet to operate PSO-supported diesel services north of Praha
CZECH REPUBLIC: The Ministry of Transport has selected RegioJet for one of the country’s largest PSO operating contracts to date, covering long-distance passenger services on five routes northeast of Praha.
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NewsMaximum speed of fastest Czech trains raised to 200 km/h
CZECH REPUBLIC: National operator ČD has raised the maximum speed of its fastest passenger trains from 160 km/h to 200 km/h with effect from August 31.
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NewsArriva places first order for Škoda 200 km/h long-distance EMUs
CZECH REPUBLIC: Arriva has awarded Škoda Group a contract to supply a new design of 200 km/h low-floor electric multiple-unit for long-distance services.
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NewsLaunch date for European Commission-supported København – Berlin – Praha train confirmed
EUROPE: Denmark’s DSB, Germany’s Deutsche Bahn and the Czech Republic’s ČD are to launch one of the 10 pilot services which the European Commission is supporting to promote attractive and sustainable cross-border transport.
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NewsRetrack Slovakia and Retrack Czech file for insolvency
EUROPE: Retrack Slovakia and Retrack Czech have filed for insolvency, with parent company VTG citing persistent challenges in the eastern European traction market.
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NewsNarrow gauge turnouts supplied
CZECH REPUBLIC: Track supplier DT Výhybkárna a Strojírna has produced two 600 mm gauge turnouts for a project to provide a cross-platform interchange between the national rail network and a heritage line.
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NewsČD to launch 200 km/h Pendolino operation
CZECH REPUBLIC: National operator ČD is undertaking final works to enable the maximum operating speed of its Pendolino sets to be raised from 160 km/h to 200 km/h.
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NewsCzech car parts take the Trans-Caspian route to Kazakhstan
INTERNATIONAL: Nurminen Logistics has started a regular block train service carrying 40 ft containers of car parts from Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic to Allur’s car factory at Kostanay in Kazakhstan.
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NewsArriva awarded Plzeň train operating contract
CZECH REPUBLIC: Arriva Vlaky has been chosen to operate Plzeň - Domažlice regional passenger service P3.
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NewsFull length ComfortJet trains enter service
CZECH REPUBLIC: National operator České Dráhy has put into service the first full rakes of ComfortJet coaches, adding the missing driving trailer and restaurant cars to sets which had until now been operating in short formation. In April 2021 ČD awarded a ...
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Metro Report InternationalRebuilt Praha tram depot commissioned
CZECH REPUBLIC: Praha transport operator DPP has completed a six-year project to rebuild Hloubětín tram depot. The original depot opened in 1951. Structural problems with the roof were discovered in 2013, trams were moved from the main hall in January 2018 and the depot closed for ...
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In depthTraction: Battery technology adapts to rail demands
Traction battery technology is increasingly able to support the transition away from diesel-only traction in the rail sector, but the stresses facing batteries in rail must be clearly recognised, says Senthilnathan Mariappan of ABB.
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In depthAutomation: Journey to a driverless future
April is due to see the start of commercial passenger services with an autonomous train in the Czech Republic, as AŽD Praha launches demonstration GoA3 operations on its Dolní Bousov – Kopidlno test line.
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NewsTurnout manufacturer highlights engineering career opportunities
CZECH REPUBLIC: Turnout manufacturer DT Výhybkárna a Strojírna is collaborating with secondary schools and universities to offer a scholarship programme, internships and factory tours. These educational activities will show students its production process and the results of key projects, including its development of high speed turnouts. ...
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NewsCzech long-distance passenger train operating contracts awarded
CZECH REPUBLIC: The Ministry of Transport has awarded Arriva Vlaky a KC3·03bn contract to operate long-distance passenger services on the Praha – Plzeň – Cheb and Praha – Plzeň – Klatovy/Železná Ruda routes for 15 years from the December 2028 timetable change. The bids to operate ...