The Czech branch of Arriva is following the path of ČD of adding second-hand ex-DB Stadler GTW units to its fleet. They will replace other German DMUs currently used in the Zlínský region – class 845.
We thank Katka Vlasáková for sharing her nice photo-impression with us.
Four out of 12 planned units (646 202, 203, 204 and 207) made it to the Czech Republic, pulled by a DB Cargo 189 006 locomotive on 5 April 2020, as captured by Katka Vlasáková. After their modernization, the first units are expected to be put into operation in fall 2020, while all the trainsets should begin commercial service in the eastern Zlínský region by December 2021.
Arriva Vlaky, the Czech rail branch of Arriva, has been one of the winners in the recent massive passenger market liberalization on rails. In the Zlínský region, they should replace the currently operated DMUs class 845 – also former DB units.