Arriva vlaky has secured a 15-year contract worth an estimated billions of CZK to operate battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains across four regional routes in the Plzeň Region starting in December 2030, according to zdopravy.cz. The agreement marks the conclusion of the Czech Republic’s first open tender for BEMU operations, displacing České dráhy from additional regional lines.
Contract Signing and Financials for the 15-Year BEMU Operation
Plzeňsky kraj finalized the procurement process by signing the contract in late 2024, though the agreement remains withheld from the register of contracts pending data anonymization, zdopravy.cz reported. Arriva vlaky won the tender with a bid of 168.27 CZK per kilometer. České dráhy submitted a competing offer of 174.60 CZK per kilometer, while RegioJet bid 201.99 CZK and GW Train Regio offered 249.83 CZK per kilometer.
The regional authority structured the contest under a gross-cost model, meaning the contracting authority assumes all fare-box revenue risks. The tender concluded roughly one month after operators submitted their bids because no competing firms filed objections against the selection of the winner.
Arriva Vlaky Purchases Battery-Electric Trains for Subsidies
Arriva vlaky will purchase 12 battery-electric multiple units directly from Škoda Group to replace diesel-powered rolling stock. Kamal Farhan, governor of the Plzeň Region, and Pavel Čížek, deputy governor for transport, confirmed that prompt signing ensured the region could successfully apply for grants through the Transgov program. The regional project secured first place among all evaluated applications, earning up to millions of CZK in financial support. Each new train will feature a minimum capacity of 130 seated passengers.
The acquisition plan deploys the vehicles in two distinct phases. The first six units will commence service in December 2030, followed by the remaining six units in December 2033.
BEMU Deployment Eliminates Diesel Locomotives Across Corridors
The BEMU deployment will eliminate diesel locomotives and diesel multiple units across four specific regional corridors designated by Plzeňsky kraj. The affected lines include P21 connecting Heřmanova Huť, Plzeň, Rokycany, Příkosice, and Nezvěstice; P3 running between Plzeň, Stod, and Domažlice město; P22 linking Radnice, Plzeň, and Bezdružice; and P25 operating from Plzeň to Klatovy and Železná Ruda.
Separately, arriva.cz reported that Arriva will assume operations on the P3 Plzeň to Domažlices line in December 2026 under a separate 10-year contract, utilizing 12 fully refurbished Stadler GTW diesel-electric motor units of series 848.4 sourced from Germany. These interim units will offer 100 seats, a top speed of 120 km/h, and a 550 kW engine output. Two of these refurbished units will enter test service in September 2026 ahead of the December rollout.
Arriva Expansion Across the Plzeň Rail Network
The 15-year BEMU contract represents Arriva’s third major rail operating agreement in the region. The company currently operates the P1 route between Horažďovice předměstí and Pňovany, will take over the P3 line in December 2026, and will assume control of express and fast train services from Prague to Klatovy and Cheb via Plzeň beginning in 2028.
By contrast, České dráhy will lose operations on these regional tracks. While České dráhy operates BEMU trains in the Moravskoslezský Region, those units were acquired through a direct award rather than a competitive tender.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plzeň BEMU Tender
When will the new BEMU trains begin carrying passengers in the Plzeň Region?
The first six battery-electric units are scheduled to enter service in December 2030, with the remaining six units following in December 2033, according to zdopravy.cz.
How much did Arriva bid per kilometer to win the tender?
Arriva vlaky secured the 15-year contract with a winning bid of 168.27 CZK per kilometer, outperforming bids from České dráhy, RegioJet, and GW Train Regio.
What financial support did the region secure for the train purchases?
The Plzeň Region secured grant funding from the Transgov program, ranking first among all submitted regional applications.