New PESA DMUs For ČD

On 26 February 2021, ČD signed an eight-year framework contract with PESA Bydgoszcz for up to 160 new DMUs. Simultaneously, the operator ordered the first batch of 33 units worth almost 3 billion CZK. The remainder will be confirmed following the interest of respective regions and transport authorities.

The new 120 km/h DMUs, based on the LINK family, of which ČD has 31 Class 844 RegioShark units in service since 2014, are scheduled for delivery since 2023. They will be fitted with an on-board ETCS, 115 first and second class seats, spacious interior, air conditioning, barrier-free access, Wi-Fi or sockets for recharging small electronics.

Ivan Bednárik, ČD CEO, said: „It is necessary to keep our word for the regions and Praha and to gradually replace elderly vehicles in which, for example, ETCS OBUs can no longer be installed and have long since failed to meet current customer demands for travel comfort. The new DMUs will help us to motivate the public to use rail more frequently.“