Czech Railways (České dráhy) has launched the first modernised railcar, the Regio-Shuttle RS1, in the colours of the Prague Integrated Transport system (PID). Nine such “RegioSpiders” will be deployed by the end of January 2026
In the first phase of the project, nine trains will be deployed by the end of January 2026, servicing routes from Benešov u Prahy to Vlašim, Sedlčany, and Tábor. These railcars, originally from Germany, are now part of the Czech national carrier’s fleet under the name RegioSpider.
Michal Krapinec, Chairman and CEO of Czech Railways, said: “I am pleased that, through our strong cooperation with the Central Bohemian region, we are bringing higher-quality trains to the less busy lines in the area. The RegioSpider railcars are an ideal solution for such services, equipped with reliable, proven technology. They are accessible and, following modernisation, offer all the services that passengers expect. Due to their capacity, they are currently the only modern replacement for the ageing 810 series and older RegioNova units.” Krapinec continued: “The residents of Central Bohemia can now get accustomed to another member of the railway ‘animal family’ after the Panthers and Foxes. And although I know that spiders aren’t exactly the most popular pets, I’m sure passengers will come to love the RegioSpiders and enjoy their rides.”
Petra Pecková, the Governor of Central Bohemia, also commented on the modernised RegioSpiders: “For many residents of Central Bohemia, trains are an essential part of their daily life for commuting to work, school, or services. Public transport in Central Bohemia must be not only reliable but also comfortable and meet the standards of the 21st century. The modern RegioSpiders bring passengers better comfort, accessibility, and modern facilities, making their travel easier. We are gradually improving rail transport in parts of the region where people would otherwise still be relying on outdated trains.”
34 RegioSpider
Czech Railways plans to deploy a total of 34 RegioSpider railcars on less busy routes in the eastern part of the region over the next two years, where RegioNova units and 810 railcars are currently in service. In addition to the Benešov operational set, further vehicles will be introduced on routes in the Nymburk and Kolín areas.
The first RegioSpiders were introduced by Czech Railways in 2011, and since then, they have proven successful on several regional routes, including in Liberec and Vysočina. The vehicles for Central Bohemia were purchased from the Heros company. Built in 1997 and 1998, they previously operated with German carriers HzL, BSB, and SWEG. The number of RegioSpider railcarss has grown from an initial 33 units to nearly 60 today, with further expansion planned.
The Stadler-manufactured Regio-Shuttle RS1 railcars feature a modern low-floor design. Two engines, with a combined output of more than 500 kW, power all axles in two-axle bogies. This gives the trains excellent riding properties, with a smooth and comfortable ride and high dynamics. The maximum speed is 120 km/h, and the capacity ranges from approximately 70 seats, depending on the configuration. In addition to Central Bohemia, these trains can also be found in the Liberec, Ústí nad Labem, Pardubice, and Vysočina regions.
In addition to the RegioSpiders, Czech Railways plans to introduce eight more RegioFox units to Central Bohemia this year, bringing the total number of these modern trains in the region to 18. In 2026, another 20 units, known as ‘Foxes,’ manufactured by the Polish company PESA, will be added. The total number of these vehicles in Central Bohemia will reach 38, offering 4,370 comfortable seats in air-conditioned regional trains. Last year, Czech Railways also introduced 22 brand-new electric RegioPanter units, providing 4,950 seats.
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