The framework order for 50 Regiopanter sets is worth nearly Koruna 6bn ($US 260m) and includes an initial batch of 31 trains. This comprises trains for the Plzen - Cheb - Karlovy Vary (4 sets), Klatovy - Plzen - Beroun (11 sets) lines and the regions of Vysočina (6 sets) and South Bohemia (10 sets).
The 160km/h dual-voltage (3 kV dc/25 kV 50 Hz ac) EMUs will be capable of operating in formations of up to three sets. Each train will seat up to 140 passengers and the fleet will be equipped with ETCS Level 2.
Škoda has also received a Koruna 1bn contract to supply five three-car sets of double-deck push-pull coaches for the line Ostrava - Frýdlant nad Ostravicí - Frenštát pod Radhoštěm line in southern Moravia. This line is currently diesel operated, but preparations for electrification are underway. Initially the coaches will operate with modernised class 750.7 diesel locomotives.
Double-deck coach standard class interior
The vehicles will be based on the Nuremberg - Ingolstadt - Munich Express (NIM) coaches currently being supplied by Škoda to DB Regio, which are yet to enter service.
The 160km/h ETCS-equipped trains will seat 356 passengers.
Both fleets will comply with the TSI for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (TSI-PRM), offering first and second-class accommodation, free passenger Wi-Fi, 230V 50Hz electrical sockets and USB ports, charging points for electric wheelchairs and e-bikes, large luggage racks, baby-changing tables and navigational aids for blind and partially-sighted passengers.
Double-deck coach first class interior.
