The number of RegioSpider carriages will grow on Czech railways (ČD). Czech Railways has acquired eleven carriages, which were previously running for German carriers.
"We have acquired eleven railcars for just under 13 million euros. The intention to buy the motor units is part of the current investment plan," says Jiří Ješeta, a member of the Board of Directors and Deputy Director General of ČD for Passenger Transport, adding: "With the purchase of the vehicles, we are responding to the current and future contractual requirements of customers for transport services under public service obligations for the DMU70 vehicle category, where the need for ETCS equipment arises after 2025."
All eleven vehicles will now undergo periodic refurbishment by the dealer, during which wheelchair-accessible toilets will be installed. In agreement with the customer, the vehicles will be equipped with Wi-Fi, electrical sockets, and an information system and the paintwork will be repainted. Due to these changes and the approval process in the Czech Republic, it is expected to start operations in the first half of 2024.
The fleet of Stadler RS1 low-floor railcars, also known as RegioSpider, owned by ČD will thus grow to 67 units.
