Europe’s leading manufacturer of public transport vehicles is currently producing 32 modern four-car trains based on the successful RegioPanter trains. These are already running successfully on Czech and Slovak railways and Skoda will soon start producing a new series for Estonia as well. Škoda Transportation Group is a member of the PPF Group.

“The new trains are a highly anticipated event in Latvia, so I am pleased that the production of the trains is in its final stages and that testing will soon begin – first in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, then in Latvia. Finally, in the autumn, they will be ready for use in passenger transport,” comments Latvian Transport Minister Tālis Linkaits. “Latvian passengers have long deserved comfortable and modern trains, which is why this event is not only historic but could perhaps be called revolutionary. The road to these trains has not been easy, but Latvians have a saying – good things come slowly, so we are happy and hopeful,” the Minister said.

“Each new era brings with it new challenges and tests. We have waited so long for these new electric trains that it is a pleasure to see them today in a very real and visible form. We have achieved all this despite all the difficulties and the difficult situation in the world. Together with our partner, the Škoda Group, we have worked tirelessly so that you can see the fruits of our joint work before you today. I believe that when we join forces, we can achieve great things. These new trains not only carry a very symbolic message, but they will also come to Latvia to introduce a whole new standard of quality that our passengers in Latvia have been waiting for for years,” said Rodgers Jānis Grigulis, CEO of Pasažieru vilciens.

The electric units for Pasažieru vilciens are based on the RegioPanters produced by Škodovka for the Czech and Slovak markets. These new trains are further optimised for Latvian railways and, according to customer requirements, are aimed at the most efficient operation – low weight, energy recovery using supercapacitors. In addition, passengers can look forward to a modern interior, comfortable wheelchair-accessible boarding, a clear information system and comfortable seats.

Currently, the electrical static tests on the first unit are being completed at the Škoda Transportation Group’s Ostrava plant and a total of 13 vehicles are in the process of being painted and assembled. A further 18 vehicles are being worked on in the welding shop and machining centre. The first train should be fully assembled at the end of March, and then the electrical recovery of the train will begin on the test track at the Škoda Transportation plant in Pilsen.

The contract that Škoda Transportation Group signed with the Latvian carrier in July 2019 includes, in addition to the delivery of thirty-two modern single-deck four-car units for suburban transport, their maintenance, spare parts supply and training. The total value of the contract is EUR 240 million.

The new trains will thus operate mainly on the lines from Riga to Aizkraukle, Tukums, Skulte and Jelgava. In addition to the delivery of the trains, the Group will also work with local companies to commission the trains and provide subsequent service and maintenance for the lifetime of the vehicle, which is at least 35 to 40 years.

• Wheel arrangement: 2′ Bo’+2′ 2′ + Bo’ 2’+ Bo’ 2′
• Track gauge: 1 520 mm
• Length: 109 820 mm
• Number of cars in the set: 4
• Length of car : G: 27 210 mm P/M: 25 790 m
• Width of car: 3 430 mm
• Height: 4 575 mm
• Floor height above TOR: 600 mm
• Number of seats: 436
• Number of standing places: 454
• Number of wheelchairs: 2
• Installed power: 6×550 kW
• Maximum speed: 160 km/h