The first ComfortJet train has arrived for testing

The initial set of ComfortJet push-pull coaches, part of ČD’s order from a consortium consisting of Siemens Mobility and Škoda Group, arrived at the Velim test center on September 11 for an extensive testing and approval program, as reported by the railway portal Railway Supply.

In April 2021, the national operator awarded the consortium a contract worth KC12.5 billion to provide 180 ComfortJet coaches, based on Siemens Mobility’s Viaggio Comfort range, with a top speed of 230 km/h.

These vehicles will be organized into 20 nine-car train sets, each offering 555 seats, including 99 in first class.

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They will operate as push-pull trains, powered by Siemens Vectron multi-system locomotives capable of 230 km/h, which were ordered in March 2022.

Siemens Mobility in Wien is responsible for constructing the bodyshells for the intermediate coaches, while Škoda will handle final assembly and outfitting in Ostrava.

The driving cars will feature Vectron cab modules, similar to those used on ÖBB’s Nightjet and Railjet 2 coaches, and this concept is branded as Vectrain by the manufacturer.

These modules are being manufactured by Siemens Mobility at München-Allach.

The test train consists of six coaches, rather than the full nine that will be in revenue service.

The initial trains are expected to commence passenger service on the Praha – Ostrava route in early 2024, although initially without their restaurant and driving cars.

Subsequently, they will be deployed on services between Praha and Berlin.

In the long run, ČD plans to utilize this fleet on international services connecting Praha to Berlin, Hamburg, København, Wien, Graz, Bratislava, and Budapest.

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