[CZ] ČD Viaggio Comfort at VUZ Velim and beyond [updatedx2]

České dráhy (ČD) has 50 new Viaggio Comfort coaches made by Siemens and Škoda Transportation in production. Tests of all types have been performed at VUZ Velim:

The article was first published on 13.10.2021 and updated on 02.03.2021 and on 22.06.2021

The acceptance tests have begun with all four types of Viaggio Comfort coaches for ČD at the Velim testing circuit. We have seen them in the production and we have seen them on their way for testing – so now it is time for real trials.

Must-see: Vladimir Fisar made interesting close-ups of coach no. 73 54 1091 021-1 Ampz 894

Update 02.03.2021:

As announced by ČD, the tests with the passenger cars at VUZ Velim have ended. In March and April 2021, they will be moved to Hungary for examining the local infrastructure compatibility. It is optional to use the cars for international traffic.

Fifty cars will form ten semi-permanently coupled 5-car sets, each with a capacity of 330 seats. They will operate on:

• Prague – Plzeň – Cheb
• Prague – Ústí nad Labem – Teplice – Most – Karlovy Vary – Cheb

The start of their operation is planned for December 2021.

ČD has also revealed the interiors of both first and second class of these passenger cars:

Update 22.06.2021:

Two months later than planned, four coaches (2 x Bmpz, 1 x Bbmpz, and 1 x Ampz) arrived at Budapest Kelenföld station, for further testing and approvals in Hungary. Coaches were pulled by ČD’s old electric loco 242 246 in CZ/SK and, in HU, locomotives 193 730 owned by ELL took over the new train.