Rail this week: Five signals to know
Signal 1: Passenger groups criticise SNCF’s Ouigo expansion
French passenger groups have sharply criticised SNCF’s plan to expand its low-cost Ouigo services, calling the strategy “a stopgap that highlights the lack of available rolling stock”. France’s national passenger association (FNAUT) argues that the rapid growth of Ouigo reflects a structural fleet constraint and reduces the availability of conventional TGV services on key long-distance routes.
SNCF argues that Ouigo helps keep long-distance rail affordable. The debate now centres on whether expanding low-cost services can realistically improve capacity for passengers, or whether it reinforces the underlying constraint by stretching an already limited fleet across more services.
2. Maersk, Laude and Loconi launch new Gdańsk–Ukraine service
Maersk has partnered with Laude Smart Intermodal and Loconi Intermodal to launch a new rail service linking the port of Gdańsk with Ukraine. Trains will run via Laude’s terminal in Zamość on the broad-gauge line, carrying up to 88 TEU per trip and adding a new rail link on the Baltic–Ukraine axis.
The service gives shippers an additional route into Ukraine as road crossings remain congested. Maersk says the link expands its inland coverage, while the partnership reflects continued demand for reliable cross-border access to the country.
3. Škoda wins EUR 332m battery-train deal in Slovakia
Škoda has signed a framework contract worth up to EUR 332 million to supply Slovakia with its first battery-electric multiple units. The agreement covers an initial 16 two-car BEMUs, with options for up to 36 more. The trains will be delivered with ŽOS Trnava and national operator ZSSK.
For Škoda, the contract marks a notable expansion into Europe’s developing battery-train segment. The units are intended for partially electrified regional lines, where battery operation can replace diesel and simplify operations.
4. Stadler to build eight CITYLINK tram-trains for Aarhus
Aarhus Letbane has ordered eight new Stadler CITYLINK tram-trains to expand services in Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city. The units are designed for local winter conditions, including battery operation when ice disrupts the 750 V DC overhead line. The order builds on Stadler’s existing fleet in the city.
The new vehicles will boost capacity on regional branches while providing extra resilience when ice or short power interruptions affect the overhead system.
5. Slovakia orders up to 36 Škoda BEMUs for regional services
Slovak operator ZSSK has signed a framework contract with Škoda and ŽOS Trnava for up to 36 battery-electric multiple units. The first batch of 16 two-car BEMUs is expected to be delivered within roughly three years of contract signature under the EUR 332 million agreement.
The units are intended for regional routes where batteries can cover unelectrified sections or gaps in the overhead line and limit the need for diesel traction. The contract is one element of ZSSK’s ongoing regional fleet renewal.