In January 2007 RTS (rail operator) and Swietelsky (construction company) announced the purchase of two Siemens ES64U4 electrics, identical to the 1216s for the Austrian railways (OBB) that were in production in Linz at that time. True, a full-fledged 230 kph fast multi-purpose locomotive is overrated for RTS, but choosing this type at that time a short delivery time was guaranteed.

In April and July 2007 the designated 1216 901 and 902 were handed over – as of that moment primarily used to haul construction and maintenance trains. Additionally, they were available to other operators.

Early 2008, RTS/Swietelsky decided to change the design of the 901/902. The large silver surface upfront was removed.

In May 2011, Siemens delivered a third ES64U4 locomotive to RTS/Swietelsky, the designated 1216 903.

In 2019 two locomotives were sold to the Czech state railways (ČD)

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