ZSSK wants to acquire new EMUs

On 15 January 2025, ZSSK announced a public tender for the purchase of two modern EMUs for the Bratislava - Žilina line with the possibility of exercising an option for two more units. The estimated value of the contract is 102 million EUR excluding VAT. This project will be financed mainly from European funds. Full deployment of the new trains is expected between 2026 and 2028.

The new EMUs with a maximum speed of 160 km/h (or more) and with traction equipment only for the 25 kV 50 Hz voltage are to have a minimum of 560 seats (530 in second and 30 in first class), space for at least 15 bicycles and baby strollers, air conditioning, WiFi, passenger information system, CCTV, passenger counting system, electricity metering equipment, etc. Once delivered, the new units will enable the cascading of four locomotive-hauled rakes (Class 361.1 + one Class Aeer car + five Class Bdmpeer cars) from the R 7XX expresses Bratislava - Žilina to other lines.

We asked ZSSK if single-deck or double-deck EMUs are required. The operator replied: "ZSSK procures large-capacity units with a at least 560 seats. Part of the procurement specification is that the units must be single-voltage and ETCS-equipped. The number of floors is not specified in the tender documents so as not to discriminate between bidders."