RegioJet to provide service of Prague–Brno fast trains with new PESA units
The operator will begin in December 2026.
The Czech Ministry of Transport has closed the first public tender for the operation of long-distance trains. The ministry signed a 15-year contract with RegioJet to operate the R9 line from Prague to Brno/Jihlava via Havlíčkův Brod. The company beat České dráhy in the tender. From December 2026, the operator will use brand new units from PESA Bydgoszcz.
RegioJet will receive compensation of EUR 210 million for the 15 years of operation. České dráhy asked for EUR 251 billion, and no other carrier participated in the tender. For RegioJet, this is the largest PSO (public service obligation) contract to date.
The new units were a condition of the tender, and the contract obligates RegioJet to hand over the units to the succeeding carrier after 15 years. The new Pesa units will reach a speed of 200 km/h, and the train will use part of the high-speed line in the future.
Two types of units
The design and technical specifications of the units are currently being finalized with the manufacturer. However, there will be two types of units, for 200 and 300 passengers. Each unit will have 12% of first class seats. The trains will be air-conditioned, and passengers will be able to connect to Wi-Fi free of charge and enjoy the standard RegioJet services.
The new units were a condition of the tender, and the contract obligates RegioJet to hand over the units to the succeeding carrier after 15 years. The new Pesa units will reach a speed of 200 km/h, and the train will use part of the high-speed line in the future.
The new section of the R9 line will provide a direct connection between Prague and Jihlava and improve accessibility to the city. Trains will depart every 120 minutes from Prague via Havlíčkův Brod, with destinations alternating regularly between Jihlava and Brno.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková