České dráhy looking to buy double deckers worth EUR 1.7 bn in largest tender ever
The contract for 90 new units includes maintenance. Price is only one of the criteria.
České dráhy today announced the largest purchase tender in its history. Under the EUR 1.7 billion tender, the company is looking for a supplier of 90 new EMU 400 electric units. These are to be used mainly for Prague’s public transport system.
Similar to the recently announced tender for EMU 350, price will not be the only criterion, as maintenance costs and energy consumption will also be decisive. The purchase agreement also includes maintenance services. The new four-car multi-system units with a speed of up to 160 km/h will gradually replace the aging class 471 units used in Prague’s urban and suburban services. Within the framework contract, České dráhy does not guarantee the manufacturer to take delivery of any units.
České dráhy announced preliminary market consultations for these units in 2020. Instead of the previously required minimum speed of 200 km/h, the limit is now 160 km/h. The new units will have a capacity of at least 400 passengers. ČD wants to take over the first one in 2026.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková