photo: Collage by RAILTARGET/Alstom and CZ LOKO join the Fair Rail association; Illustrative photo
Alstom and CZ LOKO have joined Fair Rail, an association promoting fair competition and transparent public tenders in the railway sector. The organisation aims to act as a bridge between manufacturers, contracting authorities, and operators, ensuring that tenders in the Czech Republic are conducted under clear and equal rules.
The creation of Fair Rail was a response to shifting conditions in the rail sector, driven by passenger transport liberalisation, technological progress, and the growing pressure for sustainability. The association’s role is to ensure that these changes go hand in hand with transparency and harmonised standards in public procurement.
Chairwoman Andrea Kneiflová pointed out that open tenders are crucial for the future of Czech railways: "It is a great honour to welcome our founding members to Fair Rail. We deeply appreciate the trust that Alstom and CZ LOKO have placed in us. We share the conviction that fair and clearly defined competition rules are key to the development of railway transport in the Czech Republic. Our goal is to create an environment with transparent and fair rules, and to support innovation across the rail sector."
Kneiflová added that Fair Rail also intends to take part in legislative development and bring international best practices to the Czech market. In this area, Alstom’s expertise will be particularly valuable.
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Alstom CEO Dan Kurucz: "Tenders Must Be Open to All Without Exceptions"
Alstom, a global leader in rolling stock and signalling systems, has been operating in the Czech Republic for over 20 years. As a new member of Fair Rail, the company intends to share international experience from markets where it acts as a key supplier of sustainable railway infrastructure. Dan Kurucz, Alstom’s Managing Director for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, fully supports the association’s mission: "Fair Rail advocates for tenders that are open to all participants without exception while allowing regions to specify their own requirements to ensure the best possible outcomes. This approach is also important for us because it promotes fair competition and transparency. Therefore, we are pleased that Alstom has become one of Fair Rail’s first members."
Alstom positions itself in the Czech market as a provider of comprehensive solutions, from high-speed and regional trains to advanced signalling technologies. Its priorities include the transition to low-carbon transport, particularly through hydrogen and battery propulsion, and enhancing safety through the ETCS system.
Kurucz noted: "Alstom is a global player in rail and signalling. The Czech Republic is a highly attractive market, with strong trends in battery and hydrogen trains, ETCS deployment, and the development of future high-speed lines."
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CZ LOKO CEO Josef Gulyás: "We Will Share Experience from Foreign Tenders"
The second new member, CZ LOKO, is a long-established private Czech manufacturer based in Česká Třebová, celebrating 30 years of operation in 2025. "CZ LOKO is a European leader in shunting and multi-purpose locomotives, with a strong export share. Our locomotives operate beyond the Arctic Circle, in deserts, and under the Bosporus. We successfully serve steelworks, construction sites, and track maintenance operations across Europe," said CEO Josef Gulyás.
According to him, joining Fair Rail will contribute to simpler and more efficient public procurement in the Czech Republic: "Over the years, we have taken part in many locomotive supply and modernisation tenders, including major ETCS installation projects. The Czech implementation process, compared to Western and Northern Europe, raised questions about the practicality and efficiency of public procurement. We believe it can be significantly simplified, making products more affordable in the long run. That’s why we are glad to join Fair Rail — to share these insights and drive improvement."
CZ LOKO is known for the quality, reliability, and longevity of its locomotives, as well as straightforward operation. Beyond manufacturing, it specialises in repairs, modernisation, and full-service maintenance. It has also introduced the first Czech locomotive equipped with an alcohol immobiliser to improve operational safety.
The company continues to expand internationally, now present in 21 countries, including Slovakia, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia.
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Fair Rail Expands as a Platform for Transparent and Sustainable Rail
With the accession of Alstom and CZ LOKO, Fair Rail has strengthened its position as an expert platform connecting key players in the Czech rail industry. The association will continue to advocate for transparent rules and equal opportunities in public tenders, while promoting open communication and long-term improvements in project quality and passenger services. Chairwoman Andrea Kneiflová concluded that the goal is clear: a modern, transparent, and innovation-driven Czech railway system built on fairness and cooperation.