Škoda Group and RegioJet have signed a contract for the supply of 34 hybrid multiple units of the BEDMU type (Battery Electric Diesel Multiple Unit). The contract is valued at approximately EUR 367 million.
The fleet will consist of 18 two-car and 16 three-car units. They will operate on the following lines:
- R14A Pardubice – Liberec
- R14B Liberec – Ústí nad Labem
- R21 Prague – Tanvald
- R22 Kolín – Rumburk
- R24 Prague – Rumburk
The hybrid trains are designed for dual-system operation (3 kV DC and 25 kV AC) and will also include battery packs and a diesel powerpack. The diesel engine functions primarily as a generator for battery charging, intended to reduce direct fossil fuel use. Each train can later be converted into fully battery-powered or fully electric units.
RegioJet plans to use the new trains in conjunction with infrastructure upgrades on the awarded routes. The Ministry of Transport is expected to invest in higher line capacity, improved speeds, and electrification. The operator has secured a 15-year public service contract worth EUR 475 million covering 4.5 million train-kilometres annually.
The BEDMU units are based on the Panter platform and will be equipped with digital control systems, onboard diagnostics, and remote monitoring. Each unit includes low-floor access, dedicated spaces for prams, bicycles, and wheelchairs, as well as barrier-free toilets. Passenger features include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, vending machines, power outlets, and modern passenger information systems. Safety systems include internal and external surveillance and ETCS.
