Leo Express to stop running to Zlin region due to alternating current
The carrier wants to deploy the freed up capacity on the Prague–Bohumin line.
Switching the first section from DC to AC will bring an end to the direct Leo Express connection between Prague and Stare Mesto u Uherskeho Hradiste on June 14, 2022. The carrier operates single-system Stadler Flirt units which run on direct current. Until now, two pairs of Leo Express trains have been in daily operation between Prague and Stare Mesto u Uherskeho Hradiste. Czech Railways’ trains remain on the route.
Leo Express wants to deploy the freed up capacity on the Prague–Bohumin line. All Leo Express trains will continue to be routed through the Prerov railway station, which is a transport hub in Moravia, and will stop there regularly.
The Nedakonice–Rikovice section on the Prerov–Breclav line is the first on Czech railways to switch from DC to AC power. The junction of the two systems will thus shift northwards to the Prerov junction. The shift of the transition point to the north is related to AC electrification of the Otrokovice–Zlin–Vizovice line with the AC system. The contract has been awarded to a consortium of Elektrizace zeleznic Praha and AZD Praha. The cost amounts to CZK 2.1 billion.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková.