TWO new EMU fleets entered traffic in the Czech Republic in late 2022, replacing older trains.
In the South Moravian Region centred on Brno, the first of 37 Škoda-built ‘RegioPanter’ 25kV AC EMUs entered service in September. Initially, the two-car version of the train was used, but the four car-version was introduced from mid-January.
While the design is not new, the fact that the trains are owned by the regional government’s transport authority, JMK, and has its red and white livery, is new.
In total, six four-car Class 550 and 31 four-car Class 530 trains are on order. Each set is named after one of the many wine varieties from South Moravia. They will replace older EMUs and almost all the Škoda-built Class 242 electric locos dating from 1975-81 used in the Brno area during 2023.