ZSSK's Class 561

Another novelty from Stadler, this time from the Siedlce works, are the Class 561 double-deck EMUs, of which four were ordered by ZSSK in December 2021. After initial tests were carried out with the 561.001 at the factory, the first train arrived at the VUZ Velim test centre on 17 April 2023 for type tests. These include tests of the  ETCS OBU, electromagnetic compatibility and noise measurements, tests of software, brakes, passenger information system, etc. This unit is scheduled to stay at Velim until the end of July and then to arrive in Slovakia at the beginning of August for the remaining tests.

In the meantime, 561.002 will also be in the Czech Republic, but it will first head to Ostrava for the Rail Business Days. After the fair, the vehicle will be sent to VUZ, where it will take part in double traction tests with the 561.001. The handover of all four trains is planned for the end of November this year.