The Koruna 1.5bn ($US 71.5m) scheme will offer enhanced facilities for disabled as well as able-bodied passengers when the coaches are introduced initially on CD's EuroCity trains this autumn from Prague via Brno to Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, Prague to Ostrava, Žilina and Warsaw, and Prague to Munich.

The coach interiors are divided into several parts including four classic six-seat compartments, one 12-seat open compartment, as well as boarding areas with a platform lift for passengers using wheelchairs. The coaches are air-conditioned and offer passengers at seat 230V electrical outlets. An audio-visual information system keeps passengers informed about the status of their journey.

In total 64 coaches are being upgraded and will enter service up to 2014 on EuroCity, inter-city and internal fast trains.

L Czech coach2