The Czech passenger operator RegioJet has commenced operations of the CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Sirius electric train, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

operating the CRRC Sirius electric train

Since February 5, 2023, these trains have been conducting trial runs with passengers on board along two regional routes to the north and east of Prague.

The USAID project acquired grain wagons for LDC

It’s important to note that the second Sirius train is being used as a backup and currently has temporary operating permission.

In recent months, both trains have been making trial runs without passengers.

Interestingly, the contract for the supply of electric trains was signed as early as 2016 between CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive and the Czech operator Leo Express, but the first train arrived in the Czech Republic in 2019, and testing began.

However, due to the prolonged certification process, Leo Express terminated the contract in 2022.

Nevertheless, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive continued the certification of the Sirius electric trains, and already in early January 2024, they conducted trial runs under the auspices of the RegioJet operator.

Perhaps, after obtaining full operational approval, RegioJet will acquire these trains.

The Sirius series 665 electric trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h on lines electrified with either 3 kV DC or 25 kV AC.

Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Alstom announces the acquisition of the German service company Reuschling

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit