Arriva Group has signed a €300m (c.£260m) agreement with Škoda to supply new electric trains in Czech Republic.
Under the agreement, Škoda will supply 22 modern electric trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Arriva’s investment in the new fleet follows the award of a 15-year, €750m (c.£650m) contract by the Czech Ministry of Transport last month to operate long-distance rail services connecting Prague, Pilsen and Western Bohemia.
The new trains will be in operation from December 2028, with approximately 80% of the new fleet supply chain will to be sourced locally in Czechia.
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Managing director for Mainland Europe at Arriva Group, Sian Leydon, said: “Our partnership with Škoda is a significant milestone for our rail operations in Czechia and a strong demonstration of our ambition to grow in liberalising European markets.
“Arriva entered the Czech rail market in 2013 and now employs more than 3,500 people, operating over 1,800 buses and 100 trains and serving millions of passengers each year.
“By investing in modern trains and partnering with established local suppliers, we’re directly contributing to sustainable economic growth and driving the shift towards greener travel.
“We’re thrilled our latest fleet investment will provide passengers with faster, reliable and sustainable alternatives to road travel.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
