Arriva Group and Škoda signed a EUR 300 million contract for the supply of new electric trains for Czechia that will be deployed on the Ex6 (Prague–Pilsen–Cheb) and R16 (Prague–Beroun–Pilsen–Klatovy / Železná Ruda) lines in Western Bohemia from December 2028.
Under the agreement, Škoda will 22 low-floor EMUs capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. According to Škoda, the CZK 7 billion (more than EUR 280 million) contract covers the delivery of 16 three-car and 6 four-car EMUs. The contract also includes an option to purchase additional vehicles.
The 3-car variant offers 224 seats and will be used primarily on the R16 line (Prague-Beroun-Pilsen-Klatovy / Železná Ruda) and as additional capacity for the Ex6 line (Prague-Pilsen-Cheb). It will have extended space for transporting bicycles, and passengers will have access to a vending machine for snacks and hot drinks.
The 4-car EMUs will have 315 seats, including first class, for which one entire car is reserved. Six units have been ordered and will be deployed on the Ex6 line. It will also be equipped with a bistro section featuring a serving counter and kitchenette.
“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 Minister of Transport Martin Kupka said.
Arriva’s investment in the new fleet follows the award of a 15-year, EUR 750 million contract by the Czech Ministry of Transport last month to operate long-distance rail services connecting Prague, Pilsen and Western Bohemia, one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.
The new electric trains for Czechia will be in operation from December 2028, cutting journey times and offering a compelling alternative to private car use. Around 80% of the new fleet supply chain will be sourced locally in Czechia, reinforcing Arriva’s commitment to strong local partnerships and contributing to regional economic growth.
“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,” Sian Leydon, Managing Director for Mainland Europe at Arriva Group, said.
The new trains based on Škoda 26Ev platform
The new trains will be built on a completely new platform. The platform designation is Škoda 26Ev, and these electric units are intended for interregional and long-distance transport. The new platform allows for the configuration of three to seven cars in a unit with a capacity of 200 to 600 seats. The units are designed for Arriva as dual-system (3 kV DC, 25 kV AC), but can be modified for use on the 15 kV AC system, for example in Germany. The bogies are designed for speeds of up to 230 km/h. The electric trains will meet strict requirements for passenger comfort, pressure resistance and fire safety, which will allow them to operate on high-speed lines and in tunnel sections over 5 km long. This also applies to lines that will soon be built in the Czech Republic.
Passengers will appreciate the powerful air conditioning, modern information system, Wi-Fi connection and sockets for charging small electronic devices on both types of trains, while an internal and external camera system will contribute to increased safety. Level boarding and a low-floor interior will ensure comfortable travel for passengers with reduced mobility. An essential feature is a barrier-free toilet.
The new EMUs will be equipped with advanced digital systems from Škoda Group including ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system and ETCS.
The new fleet builds on Arriva’s growing electric rail presence in Czechia, following the successful introduction of electric trains in the Pilsen region in 2023. Under the contract, which entered force in December 2024, Arriva will operate until December 2034. Recently, Pilsen City Transport Company awarded Arriva the PSO contract to deliver services on the Plzeň – Domažlice railway (P3 Line), in addition to the P1 Line along the Pňovany – Plzeň – Horažďovice předměstí route.
Arriva entered the Czech rail market in 2013 and now employs more than 3,500 people, operating over 1,800 buses and 100 trains and serving millions of passengers each year.
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