České dráhy (ČD) have secured a total of 104 Stadler RegioShuttle (RS1) motor units to modernize regional rail services, according to company data. The national carrier recently finalized a deal with HEROS Helvetic Rolling Stock to acquire nine additional used units for 175.7 million CZK, aiming to phase out older 810-series railcars and Regionova units on local lines.
Why is the rail operator investing in used units?
Purchasing second-hand rolling stock provides an economically efficient way to upgrade service quality on non-electrified regional tracks, according to ČD spokesperson Vanda Rajnochová. The carrier views these acquisitions as a strategic bridge while awaiting new-build deliveries. By sourcing proven Stadler RS1 units from Germany, the operator avoids the long lead times associated with manufacturing new trainsets while simultaneously improving passenger comfort compared to the aging 810-series vehicles.
Did you know? The RegioShuttle RS1, often nicknamed “RegioSpider,” is a low-floor rail vehicle designed specifically for cost-effective operation on secondary lines, making it a staple of the German regional rail network.
Deployment plans for the new fleet
The nine newly acquired units are earmarked for specific regional service expansion, as reported by Železniční magazín. The operator intends to deploy these vehicles to bolster existing service sets in the Central Bohemian Region, specifically on lines around Mladá Boleslav and Nymburk. Additionally, the units will serve the “Český les” cluster in the Plzeň Region, connecting Tachov and Domažlice.
Technical specifications and future readiness
Integration of modern safety technology remains a priority for the carrier. Out of the total fleet of 104 units—comprising the 840, 841, 841.2, and 841.3 series—the company plans to equip 94 vehicles with the European Train Control System (ETCS). The two units currently being integrated from City-Bahn Chemnitz were manufactured in 2002 and are expected to enter active service in the Czech Republic by the end of this year.
Fleet Comparison
The current strategy shows a slight shift in fleet size compared to previous projections. One year ago, the carrier stated it would operate 110 RS1 units. The current total stands at 104, reflecting the volatility of the second-hand market and the precise technical requirements needed for ETCS certification.
Pro tip: When tracking regional fleet updates, focus on ETCS compatibility. As European rail regulations tighten, vehicles lacking this system will eventually be restricted from operating on modernized infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do these used trains come from? The units are sourced from German rail operators through the intermediary HEROS Helvetic Rolling Stock.
- Why are the 810-series trains being replaced? The 810-series are nearing the end of their operational lifespan and lack the modern accessibility and safety features required by current regional transport standards.
- When will the new units enter service? The first two units are expected to begin operations on Czech tracks by the end of the current year, following technical modifications in Weiden, Germany.
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