Pendolino pushes Prague–České Budějovice services to the fastest timings on record and links Ostrava, Prague, Tábor and České Budějovice with a single through service. ČD is also opening a new chapter in comfort and connectivity: it is testing Starlink satellite internet and boosting mobile-signal penetration with laser-treated windows. The fleet is growing with rolling stock ready for speeds of up to 230 km/h. In this interview, Jiří Ješeta, a ČD Board Member and Deputy CEO for Passenger Transport, sets out these plans and more.
České dráhy has introduced Pendolino trains on the route to České Budějovice, where they will take advantage of the updated maximum speeds allowed by the Czech railway system. Which other routes are you looking into for speed increases?
The introduction of Pendolino trains on the route to České Budějovice marks a significant milestone, demonstrating that the Czech Republic is advancing towards modern rail transport with higher speeds. The Pendolino made its inaugural journey on the last day of the summer holidays, and since then passengers have been able to ride this train every evening from Prague to České Budějovice and early in the morning in the opposite direction. One of the fastest trains in our fleet can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h on its route to southern Bohemia, a service not previously available on Czech railways. As a result, the railway now provides the fastest connection between Prague and České Budějovice in history. This route offers a unique direct train link between Ostrava, Prague, Tábor and the South Bohemian capital. The responsibility for further sections that can support speeds over 160 km/h lies with the Railway Administration. Nonetheless, we are already preparing for this eventuality by acquiring vehicles capable of reaching speeds of up to 230 km/h, including the latest ComfortJet units and Vectron locomotives.
You have begun testing Starlink satellite internet for long-distance routes. Can satellite connectivity address ongoing signal issues on Czech railways, and what is the potential for implementing this technology in regular service?
We are always seeking ways to enhance the services we provide to passengers on our trains, and internet connectivity is certainly a key aspect. Customers use their travel time in various ways, such as working, watching films, listening to podcasts or unwinding with their favourite music. For this reason, we are testing Starlink technology as a potential solution for fast and reliable connectivity during journeys.
However, this is not the only enhancement we are providing for our passengers. We are consistently introducing various measures to improve data and voice services. For instance, we are developing laser treatments for windows to improve mobile-signal penetration within moving trains. We are also equipping parts of our fleet with 5G mobile-signal repeaters and upgrading older Wi-Fi routers to more modern versions. Our aim is to ensure that passengers have a stable and fast connection, whether they are travelling through a city, a forest or a tunnel.
You are currently upgrading long-distance trains on the Prague–Berlin route. Can you outline your requirements for the new long-distance trains, considering both passenger and operator perspectives? What does the future hold for traditional restaurant cars in the ČD fleet?
That is correct; we are introducing our advanced ComfortJet trains on the line to Germany, which, as the name implies, offer maximum comfort for rail travellers. As a general policy, this applies not only to long-distance trains but also to those on regional routes – every new vehicle is now wheelchair accessible and comes with on-board Wi-Fi, air conditioning, comfortable seating, information displays, charging sockets for small electronic devices and ample space for passengers with pushchairs or bicycles. Additionally, the new trains are equipped with the standard ETCS safety system. Some models also feature amenities such as windows that enhance signal transmission and wireless charging capabilities.
Regarding traditional restaurant cars, they continue to have a role in the ČD fleet, particularly on long-distance routes. However, we are also keeping up with the European trend of integrating catering services directly into trains. As a result, we will gradually combine both concepts, incorporating classic restaurant cars alongside bistro cars.
Thank you for the interview.
