Czech Railways’ record contract cleared as rival backs down
RegioJet will not appeal the award of the largest rail contract in Czech history. The decision leaves state operator České dráhy (ČD) clear to sign 30 years of commuter operation in Prague and Central Bohemia, bid at CZK 165bn (around EUR 6.7bn).
The open-access operator said on 13 August that it will not challenge the award. The Central Bohemian Region’s board declared ČD the winner of the EMU 400 tender last week, opening a 15-day objection window that now looks set to close quietly.
The regional assembly is scheduled to approve the contract on 6 September, with confirmation by the City of Prague’s councillors treated as a formality. ČD’s bid of CZK 165.17bn undercut RegioJet’s CZK 183.65bn (around EUR 7.5bn) — both prices valorised across the 30-year term, against an original estimate of CZK 142bn (around EUR 5.8bn).
The bids
The Central Bohemian Region ran the tender with the City of Prague as co-sponsor, the two splitting the financing equally. The contract covers operation from 2030 to 2060 on the trunk commuter lines around the capital, including the routes to Kolín and Beroun.
It also covers the trains. The winner procures a fleet of high-capacity double-deck electric units seating around 380 passengers, replacing the CityElefant sets that run the corridors today.
Three operators entered the competition. Arriva submitted no final bid, leaving the state operator and its open-access challenger to price 30 years of service against each other.
From award to signature
In April, Stadler withdrew its appeal against SBB’s 200-train framework award, and the Swiss operator said signing would proceed as planned. RegioJet’s decision leaves the Czech award without a challenger of its own.
One decision remains open inside it. Škoda Group offered ČD the best terms on the rolling stock, but the supplier has not been selected — a contract of its own, waiting behind the operating deal.
The first new units are due to enter service in 2030.