THE supervisory board of Czech rail freight operator ČD Cargo has approved the acquisition of three additional Vectron locomotives from Siemens at a cost of around Koruna 300m ($US 12.2m).

CZECH and Slovakian open-access passenger operator RegioJet announced on April 27 that it is planning to launch services between Prague and Vienna, beginning at the start of the 2018 timetable in mid-December 2017.

CZECH and Slovak open-access operator Regiojet has awarded Bombardier a contract to supply eight Traxx MS2E multi-system electric locomotives, with an option for 20 additional units.

SEVEN Pendolino trains owned by Czech Railways (ČD) which have been in operation for 12 years will undergo a fundamental refurbishment over the coming months.

ALSTOM announced on March 14 that its hydrogen-powered Coradia iLint train completed its first test run at 80km/h at its test track in Salzgitter, Germany.

PLZEN Urban Transport (PMDP), Czech Republic, has issued a call for tender for the supply of 16 medium-capacity low-floor trams.

THE executive director of Ostrava Public Transport (DPO), Czech Republic, Mr Daniel Morys and executive vice president marketing & sales of Stadler, Mr Peter Jenelten, signed a contract for the delivery of 40 standard-gauge Tango trams on January 18.

CZECH REPUBLIC’s Railway Infrastructure Administration (SẐDC) announced on January 9 that it will invest Koruna 600m ($US 23.5m) in repairing stations in 2017.

CZECH minister of Transport Mr Dan Ťok confirmed on December 20 that the government will advance a project to convert the country’s existing 1796km 3kV dc electric network to 25kV ac in order to standardise Czech mainlines.

TWO German and two Czech regional public transport authorities have joined forces to invite bids for a concession to operate cross-border and Dresden area passenger rail services, and have published advance information about the tender.