Modern RegioPanter Units Now Zipping Through Zlín Region
A fleet of five modern RegioPanter electric units began operation today in the Zlín Region, marking another step in the modernization of the Czech Republic’s regional rail network. The new units, officially handed over to the region’s authorities by Czech Railways (České dráhy), are already conducting trial runs and will fully take over services on the line from Přerov to Břeclav in mid-December.
Efforts to Improve Railway Comfort
“From December, these five Panthers will completely cover traffic on the line from Přerov to Břeclav,” said Michal Krapinec, chairman of the board and CEO of ČD. This deployment makes the Zlín Region the fifth region to welcome these cutting-edge trains.
Each three-car RegioPanter unit of the 640.2 series has a capacity of 234 passengers, with a total of nearly 1,200 new comfortable seats being added for travelers in the Zlín region. The 640.2 series is designed specifically for regional transport and boasts impressive features, making journeys smoother and more enjoyable.
RegioPanters Cover New Ground
Efforts to bring the RegioPanters to the Zlín Region began early this year. Passengers have already become accustomed to seeing these modern units on lines passing through the region from neighboring Olomouc. The trains travel through the region on the line from Olomouc to Valašské Meziříčí and Vsetín, offering a preview of the comfort and efficiency to come.
During the next year, the RegioPanters will rack up approximately 445,000 train kilometers within the Zlín Region. Their impact will extend beyond the Přerov to Břeclav line as well; they will also serve as part of the express train services between Olomouc and Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště. All the units are prominently adorned with external stickers of the Zlín region, further emphasizing their role in the local rail network.
Czech Railways Invests in Regionally Defined Units
The introduction of these RegioPanters is part of a larger rollout by Czech Railways, which has ordered a total of 60 three-car units of this type from the manufacturer, Škoda Group. Most of these units are already operational in the Olomouc Region, where 27 have been put into service since this summer. Additional units will soon be delivered to Prague and the Central Bohemia region, while others will be deployed in the Hradec Králové and Moravian-Silesian regions.
Czech Railways has also secured an additional 50 two-car electric units of the 650.2 series from Škoda. These will operate on select lines throughout Central Bohemia, Karlovy Vary, Pilsen, Vysočina, South Bohemia, and the Moravian-Silesian regions. Once all deliveries are complete, a total of 280 new vehicles will be added to the Czech Railway system, providing nearly 21,000 additional comfortable seats for passengers across the country.
* What specific route will the new RegioPanter units operate on, and when will full service commence?
## Interview with Michal Krapinec, CEO of Czech Railways
**Interviewer:** Mr. Krapinec, welcome to the show. Today marks a significant day for the Zlín Region with the arrival of five brand new RegioPanter units. Can you tell us more about this development?
**Michal Krapinec:** Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a great day for the Zlín Region and for Czech Railways. These modern RegioPanter units represent another step forward in our ongoing efforts to modernize the Czech regional rail network, offering passengers a more comfortable and efficient travel experience. [[1](http://www.ceskedrahy.cz/tiskove-centrum/tiskove-zpravy/prvni-zlinske-regiopantery-uz-vyrazily-do-zkusebniho-provozu-s)]
**Interviewer:** These trains aren’t new to the Czech Republic, but they’re certainly making their mark. What makes these RegioPanters so special?
**MK:** We are particularly proud of these units because they are specifically designed for regional transport. Each three-car unit can comfortably accommodate 234 passengers, meaning nearly 1,200 new seats for travelers in the Zlín region. This expansion will significantly enhance passenger capacity and provide a much more comfortable journey. [[1](http://www.ceskedrahy.cz/tiskove-centrum/tiskove-zpravy/prvni-zlinske-regiopantery-uz-vyrazily-do-zkusebniho-provozu-s)]
**Interviewer:** We understand these trains are already undergoing trial runs, with full service commencing mid-December. What route will they serve?
**MK**: That’s correct. They’re currently undergoing testing on the line between Přerov and Břeclav. From mid-December, they will fully take over this route, offering a modern and reliable service to passengers. This deployment makes the Zlín Region the fifth region in the Czech Republic to welcome these cutting-edge trains.
**Interviewer:** Mr. Krapinec, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on this exciting development.
**MK:** It was my pleasure.
