RegioSharky will move České dráhy to other lines in the region.
Just a few days after the State Environmental Fund announced the largest subsidy call for the purchase of new emission-free rolling stock, the Karlovy Vary region decided to order more diesel trains on electrified lines.
It will be two engine units of the 847 RegioFox series from the Polish manufacturer PESA Bydgoszcz, which will be deployed on the line from Karlovy Vary to Cheb and on to Pilsen by České dráhy. The order for diesel traction power was announced today by the region in a press release without further details about the finances or the duration of the commitment.
15 billion for new trains. The state announced a record subsidy program, it will only support personal transport
The contract, which was approved by the councilors this week, has an even more bizarre background: Martin Hurajčík negotiated it for Česká dráhy just last month, who as a member of ANO 2011 became deputy governor for transport after a four-year break. In essence, it is a contract where Hurajčík negotiated largely with himself for both parties.
A politician who was responsible for the loss of billions of dollars’ worth of performance ended up in ČD. He will once again lead the traffic in the smallest region
“The sets will be deployed on the backbone lines of Karlovy Vary – Cheb and Cheb – Mariánské Lázně – Pilsen. In addition, this step will allow the transfer of existing RegioShark sets to regional lines, which will ensure more comfortable travel even in less frequented areas of the region.” the region said in a press release. The region did not respond to questions regarding the details of the contract. The region wants to deploy the freed units of RegioShark, for example, on the Karlovy Vary – Hroznětín – Merklín operations, or to Nejdek.
The new units are due to be delivered by 2026.
Tags 847 Czech Railways diesel units on electrified lines Karlovy Vary region RegioFox 28 comments
RegioSharky and the Curious Case of Diesel on Electrified Lines
Welcome, my dear rail enthusiasts and lovers of bureaucratic bafflement! Today, we dive into a story that combines the thrill of trains with the bewilderment of local government decisions. Grab your popcorn—oh wait, this isn’t the cinema; it’s just the fascinating world of rail transport in the Czech Republic!
The Diesel Dilemma
So, here’s the scoop: Just when the State Environmental Fund decides to unleash a massive subsidy for new emission-free rolling stock, the Karlovy Vary region has a bold plan. They’ve ordered diesel trains—yes, you heard it right—on electrified lines! Talk about eco-logic or lack thereof! Who needs electric trains when you can stick with the glorious smell of diesel?
The RegioFox Takeover
The shiny new toys arriving are two engine units of the 847 RegioFox series from the Polish manufacturer PESA Bydgoszcz. These bad boys will zip around the line from Karlovy Vary to Cheb and onward to Pilsen, courtesy of our friends at České dráhy. Gotta love how they are keeping that ‘retro’ vibe alive with diesel trains—because nothing says 2023 like a good old-fashioned fossil fuel!
Duplicitous Dealings
But wait, there’s more… The contract was negotiated by *drumroll, please* Martin Hurajčík—who, by the way, just so happened to be a member of ANO 2011, and now he’s deputy governor for transport (after a brief hiatus!). Sounds like a case of negotiating with oneself, doesn’t it? It’s like asking your reflection for advice before deciding on your next haircut. Spoiler alert: it never ends well!
A politician who was responsible for the loss of billions of dollars’ worth of performance ended up in ČD. He will once again lead the traffic in the smallest region.
Oh, the irony! If only trains had feelings, they’d certainly be shaking their heads at this one.
Where will the RegioSharks roam next?
In a stroke of what can only be described as “creative planning,” the region plans to deploy the newly freed RegioShark units onto lesser-traveled regional lines. So, for your next journey from Karlovy Vary to Hroznětín, you might just experience a “more comfortable travel experience”—or a slightly more confusing ride in an even more confusing situation.
The Future is… When?
The new units are set to arrive by 2026. That’s right, folks! Mark your calendars—a full three years for diesel trains on lines meant for electric! Will the world still be spinning then? Will we have learned to embrace the joys of electric travel? Or will we still be stubbornly ordering up some diesel, saying, “But it just feels right!”
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, grab your train tickets and prepare for the journey ahead. Whether it’s a ride in the new 847 RegioFox series or a RegioShark experience, one thing’s for sure: things are about to get interesting in the Czech railways! And remember, nothing says ‘eco-friendly’ quite like a diesel train on an electrified line. A true marvel of the modern world—or maybe just modern confusion.
In a significant operational shift, the RegioSharky units will be reassigned by České dráhy to enhance service on various regional lines.
Just days after the State Environmental Fund unveiled a landmark subsidy initiative aimed at acquiring new emission-free rolling stock, the Karlovy Vary region has taken a surprising turn by ordering additional diesel trains to operate on electrified routes.
Specifically, the region has commissioned two powerful engine units from the 847 RegioFox series, crafted by the renowned Polish manufacturer PESA Bydgoszcz. These trains are set to run on the critical transportation corridors connecting Karlovy Vary to Cheb and onward to Pilsen, as per the announcement released today by the region. However, the press release lacked crucial details about the financial implications or the length of the contract.
15 billion for new trains. The state announced a record subsidy program; it will only support personal transport
The contract’s backdrop raises eyebrows, having been negotiated by Martin Hurajčík, a member of ANO 2011, who recently returned to the political sphere as deputy governor for transport after a four-year hiatus. This peculiar situation saw Hurajčík essentially negotiating a deal with himself, representing both parties involved.
A politician who was responsible for the loss of billions of dollars’ worth of performance ended up in ČD. He will once again lead the traffic in the smallest region
The newly acquired train sets will serve on the backbone lines linking Karlovy Vary – Cheb and Cheb – Mariánské Lázně – Pilsen. This strategic move is expected to free up existing RegioShark sets for deployment on more localized routes, ultimately enhancing passenger comfort even in the region’s less-trafficked areas. The region has not yet answered inquiries regarding the specifics of the contract. They plan to utilize the released RegioShark units for routes such as Karlovy Vary – Hroznětín – Merklín, and possibly extending service to Nejdek.
The anticipated delivery of these new units is scheduled for 2026.
How does the recent deal negotiated by Martin Hurajčík impact the future of rail transport in the Karlovy Vary region?
Polish manufacturer PESA Bydgoszcz. These units are slated to serve routes between Karlovy Vary and Cheb, continuing on to Pilsen, under the operation of České dráhy. The announcement was made through a press release that lacked detailed information about the financial aspects and duration of the order.
Interestingly, the backdrop to this decision raises eyebrows: Martin Hurajčík, who was recently appointed deputy governor for transport after a four-year hiatus, negotiated this deal for České dráhy. This scenario effectively means he negotiated on behalf of both parties—an arrangement that raises some questions about the nature of such dealings.
The Karlovy Vary region stated that the deployment of these new RegioFox units will bolster service on key lines while allowing for the transfer of existing RegioShark units to regional routes, enhancing comfort for passengers on less traveled lines. The RegioShark units are expected to find new homes on lines such as Karlovy Vary to Hroznětín and Nejdek.
With a delivery date set for 2026, this initiative has sparked a mix of curiosity and skepticism. As the Karlovy Vary region prioritizes diesel technology amid a national push for emission-free transport, it seems that the journey to better rail travel remains anything but straightforward. Will this decision stand the test of time, or is it merely a stop on an evolving railway path? Only time will tell.
