České dráhy has introduced the first complete nine-car ComfortJet trainsets into test operation with passengers. The deployment follows continued deliveries from the Siemens Mobility – Škoda Group consortium and precedes further roll-out on international routes.
The two initial nine-car ComfortJets are currently running on InterCity trains connecting Prague and Bohumín. These units include a control car for first-class seating and a newly introduced restaurant car.
Additional units are being reconfigured to the full nine-car layout. Onboard services already include full passenger amenities, such as catering in the restaurant car. During the test phase, the offering is similar to that provided by catering company JLV on Czech railjet services.
České dráhy has ordered a total of 20 ComfortJet non-powered trainsets. Each unit consists of nine cars, measuring approximately 237 metres in total and offering 555 seats – including 99 in first class and 18 in the restaurant section. These trains are designed for a maximum operating speed of 230 km/h and will be hauled by Siemens Vectron locomotives.
Later in 2025, additional nine-car sets are planned to enter regular service on international routes from Prague to Berlin, Budapest, and Graz. Domestic operation is expected on lines such as Prague–Ústí nad Labem–Germany and Prague–Pardubice–Brno with connections to Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
The full fleet is scheduled for integration into the regular timetable over the coming months, with the test operation phase serving to verify trainset functionality under operational conditions.
