Czech Railways Wins Moravia Contract, Recaptures Key Route

Czech national carrier České dráhy (ČD) has secured a significant six-year contract to operate three key regional express lines in Moravia, totaling nearly 5 million train-kilometers annually. The agreement, effective from late 2027, notably sees ČD reclaiming the crucial R8 Brno–Ostrava–Bohumín route from private competitor RegioJet.

In a major tender victory, Czech state-owned railway operator České dráhy (ČD) has been awarded a six-year contract to operate three express lines in the Moravia region. The contract, which covers lines R8, R12, and R13, will commence with the 2028 timetable on December 12, 2027, with the R12 line transitioning to ČD operation from the 2030 timetable. The most significant aspect of the deal is ČD’s return to the R8 Brno – Ostrava – Bohumín line, a vital transport axis connecting the Czech Republic’s second and third largest cities, which is currently operated by private firm RegioJet. “Winning the tender…confirms that České dráhy can offer competitive solutions…that are also economically efficient,” said Michal Krapinec, CEO of ČD.

The services will be operated using modern electric multiple units (EMUs) designed for interregional comfort and efficiency. The R13 line will continue to be served by the proven Škoda-built InterPanter EMUs (series 660/661), which are dual-voltage (3 kV DC / 25 kV AC) units known for their low-floor access, air conditioning, and passenger information systems. For the highly competitive R8 and R12 routes, ČD will deploy modern EMUs capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, ensuring swift journey times between major economic centers. Service frequency will be hourly on the core R8 route and every two hours on the R12 and R13 lines, with provisions for increased services during peak demand.

The contract award marks a significant development in the liberalized Czech rail market. ČD’s victory on the R8 Brno–Ostrava–Bohumín line represents a strategic recapture of a route currently held by private operator RegioJet, highlighting the intense competition for Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts. This win demonstrates the national carrier’s ability to compete on both price and quality, signaling a robust strategy to defend and expand its market share against private challengers in key corridors. The total contracted volume of almost 5 million kilometers per year solidifies ČD’s dominant position in Moravian regional transport.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Win: ČD reclaims the strategic Brno-Ostrava route from its primary private competitor, RegioJet, starting from the 2028 timetable.
• Long-Term Stability: The six-year contract provides operational stability for ČD on three key Moravian express lines, covering a substantial volume of nearly 5 million train-km annually.
• Modern Fleet Deployment: Passengers can expect continued service with modern InterPanter units and other EMUs capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, ensuring competitive journey times.

Editor’s Analysis

This tender result is more than a routine contract award; it’s a bellwether for the European rail passenger market. It underscores that established national carriers like České dráhy are successfully adapting to liberalized environments, leveraging their scale and modernizing fleets to fend off aggressive private competitors. For the global market, it serves as a case study in how incumbents can win back key routes not just on legacy status, but on a competitive basis of economic efficiency and service quality, a trend likely to intensify across the continent as more PSO contracts come up for tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which train lines are included in the new contract?

The contract covers three regional express lines in Moravia: R8 (Brno – Ostrava – Bohumín), R12 (Brno – Šumperk), and R13 (Brno – Břeclav – Olomouc).

When does the new contract with České dráhy begin?

The contract takes effect with the 2028 train schedule on December 12, 2027, for lines R8 and R13. For the R12 line, it will begin with the 2030 train schedule.

What is significant about the R8 line contract?

The R8 line is a major railway axis connecting the Czech Republic’s second and third-largest cities. Winning this contract means ČD will take over operations from the current private operator, RegioJet, marking a significant competitive victory for the national carrier.