Stadler for operation in the Olomouc Region will be modernized by ŽOS Zvolen

The first units after the modernization will appear on the tracks in the second half of next year.

Czech Railways will have the 646 Stadler GTW units in ŽOS Zvolen modernized for 270 million crowns. This marks the end of a year-long selection of a company that will previously modify and modernize units running in DB Regio colors for operation in the Olomouc Region.

The first modernized Stadlers will appear on the tracks in the second half of next year. Czech Railways has previously partially partially modified four units and runs with them to Haná and the Jesenice region. According to the original contract, the units were to travel from the beginning of this year. In total, all 12 units will be upgraded.

Czech Railways signed a contract with ŽOS Zvolen this week. “We are glad that the search for a supplier company is successfully over and in less than a year, passengers will be transported by modernized comfortable regional trains. The first units will be moved to Slovakia in the near future,“Says Jiří Ješeta, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy CEO of Czech Railways.

The original competition for modernization had to be canceled by Czech Railways because no one applied. The second carrier announced last year at the end of the year, now the tender is completed. Stadler GTW units were purchased by České dráhy in January 2019. Due to delays, four units launched České dráhy on their own. “However, the complete modernization of the interior and the installation of the missing equipment elements are still awaited, “ added Yesheta. All units will be in a uniform appearance, with the exterior paint in the corporate colors of Czech Railways complemented by stickers with motifs from the Olomouc Region.

Repairs will take place gradually, the first unit will be completed in about 10 months. The value of the contract is 270 million crowns. ŽOS Zvolen has a 150-year tradition in rolling stock repairs. The company focuses mainly on overhauls and modernization of engine units and diesel-electric locomotives. This is the largest contract in the Czech Republic for ŽOS Zvolen. For example, they are selected motor units for KŽC Doprava. He is currently repairing 750 series locomotives for ČD Cargo.

Outlets, Wi-Fi, information system

During the upgrade, the units will receive LCD monitors, Wi-Fi connections, electrical sockets for charging small electronics, as well as an audiovisual information system or GPS locations for tracking the movement of the train in the KIDSOK system.

Four already operational units carry passengers to Haná and the Jesenice region. All modernized units will gradually start running on the lines from Olomouc to Drahanovice, from Šumperk to Hanušovice or from Olomouc to Moravský Beroun.

The same units are already running in the Zlín Region, the first to be deployed here Arriva trains.