Arriva has contracted Škoda Group to supply 22 new electric trains for services linking Prague and Western Bohemia in Czechia.
The new trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and are expected to enter service from December 2028.
The agreement, valued at over 7 billion CZK (300 million EUR), includes 16 three-car and 6 four-car trains, with an option for additional vehicles. These vehicles are intended for deployment on the Ex6 (Prague–Pilsen–Cheb) and R16 (Prague–Beroun–Pilsen–Klatovy / Železná Ruda) routes.
Minister of Transport Martin Kupka said:If we want to attract new passengers to Czech railways, we must offer them reliable connections in modern, comfortable trains or units. These new trains offer a high standard of travel, so I consider their future inclusion in state-ordered lines to be a step in the right direction.
The trains will be based on Škoda’s new 26Ev platform, developed for interregional and long-distance services. The platform allows flexibility in train size, ranging from three to seven cars, with seating capacity from 200 to 600 passengers.
The three-car version ordered by Arriva will provide 224 seats and will include a dedicated space for bicycles and a vending machine for refreshments. The four-car version will offer 315 seats, including a full first-class car and a small bistro section with a serving counter.
Arriva’s trains will be dual-system units, compatible with both 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC power supplies, and designed to allow future conversion to 15 kV AC if required for cross-border services.
Both types will be equipped with air conditioning, passenger information systems, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a camera system for improved safety. They will feature low-floor entry and barrier-free toilets, supporting accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
Sian Leydon, Managing Director for Mainland Europe at Arriva Group, said:Our partnership with Škoda is a significant milestone for our rail operations in Czechia 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.
Škoda Group’s digital systems will be incorporated into the new trains, including an Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system designed to optimise energy efficiency by regulating speed according to the timetable and route profile. Based on data from similar Škoda trains already operating in the Baltic States, energy savings of up to 15% are anticipated. Remote monitoring and diagnostics systems will also be included to help reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability.
The order follows Arriva’s success in securing a 15-year, 750 million EUR contract from the Czech Ministry of Transport to operate key long-distance routes in the country. Arriva says around 80% of the supply chain for the new trains will be sourced within Czechia, supporting local suppliers and contributing to regional economic activity.
