ČD contract regional express trains Moravia starts in 2027

ČD contract regional express trains Moravia has gone to České dráhy (ČD), under a six-year deal covering three services — the regional express train lines R8, R12 and R13 — as set out in a České dráhy press release. The contract is due to take effect on December 12, 2027 with the 2028 timetable; for the R12 line, the switch is scheduled from the 2030 train schedule.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Regional express train lines R8, R12 and R13: routes and scope

The agreement keeps ČD on two Brno-centred links: R12, running Brno – Olomouc – Jeseník / Šumperk, and R13, which connects Brno – Břeclav – Olomouc.

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Alongside that, České dráhy will return to the R8 Brno – Ostrava – Bohumín corridor, described as one of the most important railway axes in eastern Czech Republic and a direct connection between the country’s second and third largest cities. The line is currently operated by RegioJet, as Railway Gazette International notes.

Michal Krapinec, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors, said the tender win shows České dráhy can offer competitive solutions for regional and interregional rail transport that meet the authorities’ requirements and remain economically efficient. He added that the company is pleased both to keep key Moravian services and to return to the Brno–Ostrava axis.

Almost 5 million kilometers annually and planned service frequency

In operational terms, the contracted work totals almost 5 million train-kilometers per year. The plan calls for one train per hour on R8, while R12 and R13 are set to run every two hours, with the option to add extra services during peak periods on selected sections.

InterPanter electric units and 140–160 km/h multiple units

On rolling stock, InterPanter electric units from the 660 and 661 series will continue to work the R13 line. For R8 and R12, ČD will use multiple units with maximum speeds of 140–160 km/h, as reported by Railway PRO.

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