In the tender for the operation of suburban trains in Prague, the tenderers were presented by ČD and RegioJet

In a significant move toward shaping the future of regional rail transport in the Czech Republic, České dráhy (ČD) have submitted a bid for a major public tender that could determine the operator of Prague’s suburban railway lines for the next three decades. The tender, initiated by the Central Bohemian Region and the city of Prague, aims to secure a reliable provider for the operation of high-capacity electric trains on key routes connecting Prague with nearby cities such as Kolín, Kladno, Beroun, Kutná Hora, and potentially even Mladá Boleslav in the future. This tender represents one of the largest infrastructure contracts in the country's history, with an estimated value of around 142 billion Czech crowns.

The competition has narrowed down to two main contenders: ČD and RegioJet. According to the latest developments, ČD has offered a price of 165.17 billion crowns, significantly lower than RegioJet’s proposed cost of 183.65 billion crowns. While the financial aspect appears to favor ČD, the evaluation process will also consider technical aspects of both bids before a final decision is made. The selection committee, led by Deputy Mayor of the Central Bohemian Region Andrej Hoffman, emphasized that the assessment would involve detailed legal, economic, and technical evaluations. These assessments are expected to take place over the course of the year, with approval likely to occur during the autumn season.

The tender involves not just the operation of the railways but also the procurement of new high-capacity electric multiple units (EMU 400). These trains, capable of accommodating up to 380 passengers each, are intended to alleviate congestion on existing lines and improve accessibility for commuters. The contract includes the purchase of between 60 and 66 units initially, with potential for further purchases depending on the expansion of the rail network. Companies such as Škoda Group, Siemens, Stadler, and Alstom are among the potential suppliers of these vehicles, which are expected to enter service by 2029.

The tender was originally announced in February of last year, with initial bids submitted by Arriva, ČD, and RegioJet. However, Arriva ultimately decided not to submit a final offer due to concerns related to the long-term nature of the contract and associated financial risks. This left ČD and RegioJet as the primary competitors in the race for this lucrative contract.

Public interest in the outcome of the tender is high, given the importance of efficient and accessible public transportation in the greater Prague area. Daily commutes into the capital involve approximately 400,000 people, with more than half relying on rail services. Commuters often cite traffic congestion and parking difficulties as reasons for preferring train travel. The current limitations of the Prague railway junction mean that additional services cannot easily be added without upgrading the infrastructure, making the acquisition of larger, more efficient trains a priority.

Both ČD and RegioJet have expressed confidence in their respective proposals. ČD’s general manager, Michal Krapinec, stated that his company is prepared to ensure reliable rail transport within the framework of the Prague Integrated Transport system and contribute to the continued development of modern rail networks in the region. Meanwhile, RegioJet’s spokesperson, Lukáš Kubát, acknowledged that ČD’s bid might represent good news for the region if it indeed offers better conditions for passengers and supports the further development of rail transport.

Despite the apparent advantage of ČD’s lower bid, the evaluation process remains ongoing. Officials from the Central Bohemian Region and the city of Prague have stressed that they will not comment further on the tender until after all assessments are completed. The final winner of the tender will be determined based on a comprehensive review of both financial and technical aspects of the competing bids, ensuring that the selected provider can deliver on the ambitious goals set forth by the region and the city.

As the evaluation continues, attention turns to the broader implications of the decision. With the current contract with ČD set to expire in 2030, the winning bidder will be responsible for operating the rail network for the following three decades. This long-term commitment underscores the significance of selecting a provider that can meet the evolving demands of urban mobility while contributing to the sustainable development of the region’s transportation infrastructure.