RegioJet is now operating semi-fast services on the R8 route between Brno and Bohumin, near the Polish border. The contract was awarded in December 2018 and runs until December 2027.
The operator is running 34 trains per day using a fleet of seven leased Vectron MS electric locomotives hauling trains typically formed of six coaches. Long term, RegioJet plans to replace the leased locomotives with its own new Traxx 3 class 388 locomotives, 15 of which are on order from Bombardier.
RegioJet has obtained a variety of former German Rail (DB), Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) and Austrian Federal Railway (ÖBB) coaches for use on the R8 route, which have been refurbished with new interiors. Each train has a mini buffet in one vehicle.
RegioJet also began operating contracted regional services around Usti nad Labem on December 15, initially using a fleet of former DB Class 628 DMUs, although these will be replaced by new EMUs from Pesa from 2021.
Elsewhere in the Czech Republic, both Arriva and Leo Express have also began operating new regional contracts using a variety of second-hand DMUs obtained from German operators. This also marks Leo Express’ first contracted services.
