[CZ] CD 680 005: The first Pendolino with a modernised interior

After three months of work, České dráhy and its subsidiary DPOv (ČD Dílny Pro Opravy Vozidel) have released the first Pendolino EMU with a new interior. Unit 680 005 now features 327 new seats, including power sockets, a cinema for the little ones, a new bistro area, new toilets, a new infotainment system and a new LED lighting system.

The 005 is now predominantly operated on the Prague – Ostrava – Košice relation, currently one of the fastest lines in the country. Next units due for modernisation are 680 006 and 007. In total seven EMUs, that already have covered 27 million passenger kms in the past twelve years, will be overhauled. In 2018 the project should be completed.

Alstom is currently reconstructing a CD Pendolino train in its Savigliano factory in Italy. It was involved in the Studénka train crash 2015 when it collided with a truck on a rail crossing on the connection Bohumín – Františkovy Lázně. Three passengers died and 17 people were injured. The train driver miraculously survived.