CZ (DE) Desiro Pack
CD Desiro:
ČD has put all six barrier-free Desiro Classic railcars into operation. Passengers can now travel with them on the U8 line in the Ústí nad Labem region from Děčín via Benešov nad Ploučnicí, Česká Kamenice and Jedlová to Rumburk. The units have passed the approval procedure at the European Railway Authority (ERA) and can be used in the Czech Republic and Germany.
‘I am delighted that passengers on the Czech-German border will be able to see modern regional coaches like the Desiro. Experience from abroad shows that these are very reliable and high-quality vehicles that will undoubtedly enhance the travelling experience on the U8. We will also invest in their further modernisation when they are retrofitted with USB ports for powering travel electronics and an on-board Wi-Fi network,’ says Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board and General Director of ČD.
‘The purchase of six barrier-free Desiro Classic trains is a successful model for achieving higher quality even on less frequented regional routes. The purchase of suitable used trains from abroad and their subsequent modernisation enables us to offer our customers and, above all, passengers comfortable trains at a lower cost than the purchase of completely new vehicles. When making such purchases, we always make sure that they are proven and barrier-free carriages,’ says Jiří Ješeta, member of the ČD Management Board and Deputy for Passenger Transport, adding: ’We have been preparing and gradually rolling out the Desiro in recent weeks, and now we have all six available units ready for regular operation. The addition of the Desiro to our fleet in Děčín also means greater operational safety and the possibility of using the units on the joint Czech-German line U 28 from Děčín to Rumburk via Bad Schandau and Sebnitz.’
Czech Railways acquired a total of six Desiro trains from Hessische Landesbahn last year. The Siemens Desiro Classic is one of the most widespread types of traction unit in Europe and is used by railway companies in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Denmark and Greece. They offer passengers low-floor compartments and wheelchair-accessible travel. The compartments are air-conditioned and have a modern interior design. The toilets have a closed system and are suitable for wheelchair users. The unit also offers space for pushchairs, bicycles and other large luggages.
Arriva Desiro:
Desiro trains will operate Arriva’s services on the Liberec – Turnov – Semily – Stará Paka line in North Bohemia.
Arriva Vlaky is already using Desiro class 642 DMUs leased from DB Regio on Prague Hostivář – Roztoky u Prahy services. Other services are operated using former DB class 628 two-car DMUs, some registered in the Czech Republic as class 845.
