RegioJet Seeks Trains for Prague and Central Bohemia, Contract Worth Billions
Major Railway Project Underway
A significant railway project is unfolding in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region. Competitions for new trains will be crucial in negotiations with carriers concerning what’s being called the “order of the century.”
RegioJet has signaled serious interest in operating electric units within Prague and Central Bohemia. They’ve officially initiated the search for train suppliers. The company announced a tender for an electric unit, with complete maintenance included, and an estimated value exceeding 74 billion Czech crowns.
The competition announcement for electric unit supplies is a prerequisite of the Prague and Central Bohemian Region’s tender. “Everyone has to compete to make the offers comparable including conditions,” stated the Central Bohemian councilor for public transport, Petr Borecký.
Interested Parties and Contract Details
Three entities are contending for this “order of the century.” Both Czech Railways and Arriva have previously publicized tenders for trains. The selected contractor will receive a thirty-year deal, starting in 2029, for operating trains in Prague and its vicinity. The carriers are expected to furnish at least 60 high-capacity electric units, with a minimum seating capacity of 380. The contract’s estimated worth, considering maximum compensation and all options, excluding sales, is almost 142 billion crowns.
“The subject of this public contract is the supply of new semi-storey or two-storey large-capacity low-floor electric traction units EMU400 and providing full-service services to these units for their operation,”
RegioJet holds the option not to remove the trains, but specifics remain unknown, as the contracting authority’s profile is yet to be published.
Impact of the Competitions
The competitions for the new trains and their outcomes will be significant in negotiations between carriers, Prague, and the Central Bohemian Region. Carriers will submit their offers following their choice of rail vehicles. The final offers will significantly influence the price, the acquisition method, operational costs, and the technological aspects of the electric units.
The sole criterion in this competition is the price.
The new electric units, tentatively named EMU400, will supplement and gradually replace elements of the 471 series fleets. Acquiring a segment of the new EMU 400 units is slated to be co-financed through subsidies, primarily from the modernization fund. There will be a minimum of 60 units, with an option for 60 more.