“Škoda Transportation” presents new double-decker train sets
Europe’s leading vehicle manufacturer, “Škoda Transportation”, has just unveiled new double-decker Push-Pull train sets with increased capacity, equipped with modern technologies and designed to provide even faster and more convenient passenger transport. They are currently being tested on the VUZ test track in the Velim region and will initially be used by Czech Railways. The national carrier has ordered a total of five such train sets for routes in the Moravian-Silesian region. Before the end of this year, they will begin trial operation on routes between the largest cities in the Czech Republic and could in the future also become available in other European countries.
The new high-capacity train sets are ideally suited to regional, suburban and intercity passenger transport. They will help avoid congestion and make it possible to quickly increase the number of seats by adding another carriage to the train set. The trains will also save passengers travel time, and can be used on both electrified and non-electrified intercity routes.
“The new generation of double-decker train sets we are presenting fully complies with Western European standards. Passengers will travel in modern, comfortable carriages equipped as standard with both air conditioning and sockets for charging electronic devices. They will certainly also appreciate the new windows, which have been manufactured to transmit mobile signals more effectively. When designing the train sets, we also considered passengers with an active lifestyle, and consequently the train set has sufficient space for bicycles and skis,” comments Petr Brzezina, President and Chairman of the Board of the “Škoda Transportation” Group.
”These are the first trains of this type in the Czech Republic. Their basic configuration consists of one driving trailer and two intermediate carriages. During operation, they will be supplemented by modified locomotives from the Czech Railways’ 750 series fleet. In this configuration, the Push-Pull trains, with a total capacity of up to 356 seats, can quickly change direction at the terminal station without lengthy locomotive shunting. This will speed up transport and reduce travel times,” adds Jiří Ješeta, Member of the Board of Czech Railways and Deputy Director General for Sales.
The train sets have 356 seats and feature partially low floors, allowing step-free boarding from platforms 550 mm high. An advanced microprocessor system allows a single driver to operate the train set from the driving trailer or locomotive cab without the presence of any other personnel. As standard, the train set is equipped with an information system, a ticket validator for contactless ticket purchases, Wi-Fi and a new ETCS safety system.
“The carriages in a train set have no traction of their own and are pulled or pushed by a locomotive; they are designed for operation at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. A major advantage of such train sets is their adaptability and modularity. The train sets can be coupled and hauled not only by an electric locomotive but also, for example, by a diesel locomotive, allowing them to operate on both electrified and non-electrified routes. Another advantage is the ability to change the train set’s capacity modularly by adding more intermediate carriages, thereby efficiently adjusting its capacity to the carrier’s current needs,” explains Tomáš Ignačák, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the “Škoda Transportation” Group.
Ample space for luggage, bicycles and skis
The new three-car train set is intended for regional transport and comes as standard with fully air-conditioned interiors, comfortable second-class seats and a small first-class compartment. It also features Wi-Fi internet access and electrical sockets for charging passengers’ electronic devices. Both the manufacturer and the carrier have taken tourists, cyclists and skiers into consideration. The spacious multifunctional areas can accommodate up to 30 bicycles, prams and bulky luggage, and also contain racks for 40 pairs of skis.
The train set has five toilets, one of which is intended for passengers in wheelchairs, while another is equipped with a fold-down changing table for babies. At the same time, the train set is adapted for carrying blind passengers and can accommodate up to four wheelchair users accompanied by assistants. One of the driving trailer’s doors is intended for blind and visually impaired passengers; it is equipped with remote-controlled operation activated by a remote control device for blind passengers and also has an acoustic signal. An integral part of the carriage is a modern audiovisual information system that provides all passengers—including blind, visually impaired and deaf people—with information about the train journey and stations. Information signs in Braille are also available on the train for blind and visually impaired passengers.
