Ex-DB cars put into service in Bulgaria

On 22 June 2024, for the first time BDŽ PP put into regular service with passengers former DB's IC1 coaches. From this day on, the newly introduced reservation compulsory express trains 3683/3684 Sofia - Karlovo - Burgas and back are assembled from these cars, and from 24 June 2024, the former German cars are also used on trains 8611/8612 Sofia - Plovdiv - Burgas and back. Although some are still in use in the original color scheme of DB Fernverkehr, they are gradually being equipped with new stickers in blue shades.

Only Škoda-built Class 44 locomotives are deployed in the haulage of trains with these rakes, because the power supply system of the cars is not compatible with Smartrons, however, the necessary modification of the coaches is expected to enable deployment with Smartrons. The cariages are stationed at the Nadezhda depot in Sofia. Three 19-car deliveries have so far arrived in Bulgaria, the last of them on 7 July 2024. The final, fourth delivery crossed the German-Czech border on 19 July and this one includes ten cars with a bistro section.