In a surprising turn of events that highlights the disparities in European rail infrastructure, trains considered past their prime in Germany are finding a new lease of life on Czech regional railways. These nearly three-decade-old vehicles are bringing unexpected improvements to local transportation in Central Bohemia.
The Czech Railways (České dráhy) has begun deploying modernized RegioSpider units, manufactured between 1997 and 1998, on regional routes. While these trains may have completed their service in Germany, they represent a significant upgrade for Czech passengers, replacing even older rolling stock that has been in service for up to 50 years.
The first of these barrier-free trains was unveiled on the Benešov-Vlašim route, marking the beginning of a broader modernization initiative. Despite their age, these refurbished units offer modern amenities that were previously unavailable on regional routes, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and USB charging ports.
According to Petr Borecký, the Regional Transport Councillor, this decision addresses a long-standing demand from passengers for more comfortable and modern trains. He notes that while these units aren’t brand new – as new trains of this size are no longer manufactured for non-electrified routes in Europe – their modernization ensures improved comfort and reliability.
The railway company plans to deploy a total of 34 RegioSpider units over the next two years, primarily serving less frequented routes in the eastern part of the region. With a maximum speed of 120 km/h and a seating capacity of around 70 passengers, these trains represent a practical solution for regional transportation needs.
While some might question the strategy of importing older German trains, the reality is that these modernized units offer a significant improvement in service quality for Czech passengers, proving that one country’s retired fleet can become another’s upgrade.