• Škoda Group will deliver 34 modern BEDMU train units to RegioJet, valued at more than CZK 9 billion.
• Deployment of these units from December 2029 will save up to 19,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
• BEDMU units are the best available solution for rail routes where electrification has not yet been completed, such as in Northeast Bohemia.
• In the future, the trains can be converted into fully battery-powered or fully electric units.

 

The modern trains are conceptually designed as battery–electric units with a diesel generator set that allows for extended range, fully aligned with the requirements of the Czech Ministry of Transport. Thanks to the maximum use of electric power, optimisation of the diesel powerpack, and the use of renewable HVO fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil), the trains achieve optimal operating costs while minimising environmental impact.

 

“This contract is an important step forward in bringing the most advanced technologies to Czech railways. The new BEDMU units combine passenger comfort with sustainability and efficient operation. We are pleased to be setting new standards in Czech rail transport together with RegioJet and to continue our cooperation with this significant order,” said Petr Novotný, CEO Škoda Group.

“With the new units and the gradual modernisation of the line, we will offer passengers faster connections. For example, the journey between Pardubice and Liberec will be shortened by almost half an hour. Our customers can look forward to modern, barrier-free travel and the high-quality service they know from our yellow trains. The new units will provide greater comfort, quieter operation and modern design. Their environmental friendliness is also highly important,” said Radim Jančura, owner of RegioJet.

For RegioJet, infrastructure improvements go hand in hand with the introduction of new trains. “To improve transport in Northeast Bohemia, the Ministry of Transport and the Railway Administration must also invest. Many lines here have seen no investment for decades. They need greater capacity, higher speeds and, above all, electrification. Better-quality lines will create new transfer opportunities for passengers and improve coordination with other modes of transport. We also expect investments in P+R facilities,” added Jiří Schmidt, Strategy Director at RegioJet.

 

Proven platform with an innovative approach

The new trains are based on the well-known Panter platform, which is highly adaptable and operates in many regions of the Czech Republic in various versions, particularly in its battery-electric variant. In this new type, traction motors will be powered by overhead lines, stored battery energy, and the diesel powerpack. This minimises the use of fossil fuels and maximises operational efficiency. Deploying these units will reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 19,000 tonnes annually.

 

A path towards a zero-emission rail future

The diesel powerpack serves only as a generator to enable extended range with continuous battery charging. These modern two-car and three-car units thus represent the best available solution for lines that are not yet electrified, while also providing a safeguard in exceptional situations. Thanks to the option of later conversion into purely battery or purely electric units, these modern trains pave the way towards a zero-emission rail future. In RegioJet’s colours, the BEDMU trains will operate the R14A Pardubice–Liberec, R14B Liberec–Ústí nad Labem, R21 Prague–Tanvald, R22 Kolín–Rumburk, and R24 Prague–Rumburk routes from December 2029.

The new trains are designed as dual-system (3 kV DC, 25 kV AC) units, equipped with batteries and a diesel powerpack. They fully meet the strict requirements for passenger comfort. Each train will feature a business class section with 10 seats in the two-car version and 16 in the three-car version. Passengers will also appreciate onboard vending machines, powerful air conditioning, modern passenger information systems, Wi-Fi connectivity, and charging sockets for electronic devices. Safety will be enhanced by internal and external camera systems. Level boarding and low-floor interiors will ensure easy travel for passengers with reduced mobility, while barrier-free toilets, as well as dedicated spaces for prams, bicycles and wheelchairs, will be standard.

 

Digital technologies and energy savings

The new units will be equipped with advanced digital technologies developed by Škoda Group, ensuring convenience for passengers and operators during service and train coupling. They will feature advanced systems for optimising energy consumption and for smooth transitions between operating modes, taking into account timetables and track profiles. A remote monitoring system will further optimise maintenance costs and increase operational reliability. Each train will also be fitted with the European Train Control System (ETCS).