The network in the Zlín region has been divided into three operational sections, with four operators - Arriva Vlaky, ČD, Leo Express Tenders, and Regiojet - bidding to operate these routes. The tenders increase traffic volume from 3.5 million to 4.3 million train-km annually.
Lot A has been awarded to ČD and encompasses four lines: Otokrovice - Zlín - Vizovice; Kromĕříž - Zlín - Vizovice; Veselí nad Moravou - Otrokovice - Zlín and Přerov- Zlín.
With the ongoing upgrading and electrification of the Vizovice - Zlín - Otrokovice line, the region has opted for a direct award for Lot A and the contract therefore runs for just four years from December 2019. ČD will operate 811,497 train-km a year on these routes, largely using class 814 Regionova two and three-car DMUs.
Arriva Vlaky will operate 1.87 million train-km on the Lot B network, which comprises four routes: Rožnov pod Radhoštĕm - Vsetín - Bylnice; Vsetín - Velké Karlovice; Staré Mĕsto u Uherského Hradíštĕ - Uherský Brod - Bylnice; and Uherský Brod/Újezdec - Luhačovice. The contract runs for 10 years from December 2019. Rolling stock will be provided by Leo Express, which has acquired 15 secondhand Alstom Coradia Lint DMUs from Germany. Seven-two car and three single-car trains will be used by Arriva for the Lot B network.
The four-year Lot C contract was awarded to ČD and calls for the operation of 1.02 million train-km annually on the electrified Přerov - Břeclav route. ČD will use dual-voltage class 362 locomotives and push-pull sets of type Btee coaches for these services.
ČD and Arriva were selected for the contracts as both bidders offered the lowest price while meeting other requirements, such as quality of rolling stock and services enhancements. Contracts with both operators are due to be signed at the beginning of March.
A fourth lot (Lot D) currently being tendered by authorities in Olomouc/Přerov and South Moravia also includes services in the Zlín region. This encompasses the Kromĕříž - Zborovice, Kojetin- Valašské Mezíříčí - Rožnov pod Radhoštem lines.
The Lot B contract continues a recent run of successes for Arriva and Leo Express in Czech regional tenders. In December the Pardubice region selected Leo Express for a 10-year contract to operate services on the Hanušovice – Dolní Lipky and and Ústi nad Orlici – Štíty lines, while Arriva was chosen for a contract for semi-fast services in Prague and Central Bohemia.
ČD acquires 12 DMUs from DB
ČD confirmed on January 8 that it has acquired 12 two-car Stadler GTW DMUs from DB Regio for use on regional services in the Czech Republic. The trains, designated class 646, were built in 2001 and used on Prignitz Express regional services in the Berlin area.
The trains were replaced by new Alstom Coradia Lint DMUs (class 648) in December 2016 and have since been stored at Mukran ferry port on the Baltic coast pending sale.
RegioJet had initially planned to deploy the GTWs on non-electrified lines around Ústí nad Labem but ultimately opted for Pesa Link DMUs. ČD has now decided it will use the trains in the Olomouc area.
The DMUs will be upgraded with a new passenger information system, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and new seat coverings before entering service in December.
