České dráhy is expanding its fleet. They want to buy four Taurus locomotives.

České dráhy is negotiating the purchase of four Siemens Taurus multi-system electric locomotives, which are currently used by another railway carrier. They are equipped for the needs of passenger transport, have a European ETCS security system, and are approved for operation in the Czech Republic and surrounding countries. The intention to purchase these vehicles was approved by the Board of Directors and also by the Supervisory Board of the Company.

"This fits into our fleet renewal strategy, where we buy state-of-the-art passenger cars for long-distance transport at 230 km/h and we also need adequate traction units. In doing so, we are strengthening our position in international long-distance transport. The Czech Republic is also planning a major investment in the development of infrastructure and the related increase in speed and the introduction of a single European security system. Therefore, we would like to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase these vehicles for a speed of 230 km/h, which are already equipped with ETCS on-board part," explains Ivan Bednárik, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of ČD, adding: "Taurus’s meets our future requirements for locomotives for long-distance interstate transport, so they can also be a backup solution for new trains to run at 230 km/h to Germany, for example."

"We are counting on their possible deployment on the Ex4 long-distance line from Bohumín via Ostrava and Břeclav to Austrian Vienna, respectively to Graz. The locomotives would thus complement two vehicles of the same type on this route, which we acquired already in August 2019. The clear advantage is that these vehicles already have a transfer abroad, and therefore it will not be necessary to change the locomotive at the front of the train at the border for interstate connections. From an operational point of view, this eliminates the risk of a possible extension of driving times. We anticipate that in the coming months, the purchase contract and the delivery of vehicles could be signed," concludes Jiří Ješeta, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy Director-General of ČD for Trade.

All four more system electric locomotives of the 1216 Taurus series (ES64U4) would take over ČD approved for operation in the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, and Hungary. In addition, two locomotives can also be operated in Slovakia. The vehicles are equipped with ETCS on-board and ready for deployment in passenger transport without the need for further modifications. Their top operating speed is 230 km/h.