Arriva places first order for Škoda 200 km/h long-distance EMUs

CZECH REPUBLIC: Arriva has ordered a new design of 200 km/h low-floor electric multiple-unit from Škoda Group for use on long-distance services.

Valued at more than €280m, the contract signed on July 15 covers an initial 16 three-car and six four-car EMUs, with options for more. The Škoda 26Ev units are to be deployed from December 2028 on long-distance routes Ex6 Praha – Plzeň – Cheb and R16 Praha – Beroun – Plzeň –Klatovy/Železná Ruda which Arriva is to operate under a 15-year contract worth €750m awarded by the Ministry of Transport.

New platform

Škoda has developed the 26Ev for inter-regional and long-distance services. Units can be supplied with three to seven cars, offering a capacity of between 200 and 600 seats. The bogies are designed for speeds of up to 230 km/h, making the units suitable for operation on high speed lines. They will also be able to run through tunnels more than 5 km long.

‘This order from the private operator Arriva is very important for us, not only in terms of its financial scope, but also in terms of our position in the market’, said Škoda Group Chairman & CEO Petr Novotný. ‘We believe that this new platform, which we have been developing for several years, will be successful not only on the Czech market but also on the European market. Moreover, Czech industry will play a huge role in the production of these new trains. We expect the share of Czech suppliers to be around 80%.’

Arriva’s EMUs will be dual-system units able to operate on 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz; a 15 kV 16·7 Hz variant will also be offered. The three-car units with 224 seats will be used primarily on service R16 and to provided additional capacity on Ex6. They will have large cycle spaces, and a vending machine for snacks and hot drinks. The four-car trains for service Ex6 will have 315 seats, including a first class car and a bistro section with serving counter and kitchenette.

All will have ‘powerful’ air-conditioning, a modern information system, wi-fi, charging sockets and CCTV, with level boarding, a low-floor interior and an accessible toilet.

The EMUs will have ETCS and digital systems to support remote monitoring and diagnostics. They will be fitted with ATO equipment to facilitate energy-efficient operation, regulating speeds to suit the timetable and track profile while optimising braking. Data from the operation of Škoda EMUs in the Baltic States suggests that energy savings of up to 15% could be achieved.

Arriva strategy

‘By signing this contract, we are fulfilling our long-term strategy in the Czech Republic’, said Daniel Adamka, Managing Director of Arriva Transport Czech Republic. ‘We are entering a new segment of electric long-distance transport with a clear goal – to offer passengers higher comfort, reliability and environmentally friendly travel.’

He said the trains would offer a modern design, greater comfort and wide seats, with space for bicycles that ‘will be especially appreciated by passengers heading to the Šumava region or spa areas’.

Sian Leydon, Managing Director for Mainland Europe at Arriva Group, said ‘our partnership with Škoda is a significant milestone for our rail operations in the Czech Republic and a strong demonstration of our ambition to grow in liberalising European markets. By investing in modern trains and partnering with established local suppliers, we’re directly contributing to sustainable economic growth and driving the shift towards greener travel. We’re thrilled our latest fleet investment will provide passengers with faster, reliable and sustainable alternatives to road travel.’