In an interview, Michal Krapinec, CEO of the company České dráhy (Czech Railways), outlines how long-distance and regional rail transport in the Czech Republic is changing. He discusses fleet modernisation, ComfortJet trains, train reliability, infrastructure limitations, high-speed lines, and the introduction of battery-powered units.
České dráhy is investing heavily in modernising long-distance transport, from ComfortJets to new train services. What must a train offer managers, businesspeople, and business travellers today to make them see it as a fully-fledged alternative to the car or to working in an office?
In my opinion, one of the most significant advantages of rail travel is its ability to function as a mobile office. Today’s business travellers expect more than just transport from point A to point B. They want to use the time spent on the journey effectively – to work, deal with emails, prepare for a meeting or, conversely, to relax. We have significantly upgraded our long-distance services to meet these needs, offering ergonomic seating where you can easily spend several hours and dependable Wi-Fi. Following a successful pilot of Starlink satellite internet on our InterPanter units in recent weeks, we are now expanding this high-speed connectivity across the fleet. Most of our long-distance trains feature dining carriages, where you can enjoy excellent food even whilst on the tracks, served directly to your seat by the staff.
On the busiest routes, such as between Prague, Brno and Ostrava, passengers do not just appreciate the new trains, but above all the certainty that they will arrive on time. Where does České dráhy have room to improve reliability, and where is it already hitting the limits of infrastructure, track closures and line capacity?
We recognise that reliability is the primary concern for our passengers. It is fair to say that some aspects are entirely within our control, and that is where we are focusing most of our efforts. This concerns the quality of rolling stock, preventive maintenance and fleet scheduling. Last year, our trains achieved their best punctuality in ten years. Of almost 2.5 million services, more than 88 per cent ran on time. At the same time, we offered our customers the most modern fleet in the country’s recent history. New trains are one of the keys to reliability because they cope better with daily operation. To illustrate the scale: if all the vehicles acquired over the past four years were lined up, the new fleet would form a train 17.8 kilometres long – almost the length of a half-marathon. Rail transport, however, operates as an interconnected system. Some situations are beyond the operator’s direct control, including extensive engineering works, emergencies and infrastructure capacity constraints. Modernising railway lines is therefore essential. Although it may cause short-term disruption, in the long run it delivers greater capacity, faster transport and more stable operations.
Czechia is preparing high-speed lines while also modernising regional transport, including battery-powered units. What role should České dráhy play as the national operator: primarily as a customer for new technologies, or also as a partner able to provide the Czech railway industry with predictable long-term demand?
Our long-distance fleet already includes rolling stock designed for speeds exceeding 200 km/h, although these capabilities are currently used mainly on international routes. Examples include the latest ComfortJet units and Vectron locomotives. České dráhy is also the first and only operator to carry passengers regularly at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour on the Czech rail network, using Pendolino trains on selected sections between Prague and České Budějovice. As I mentioned earlier, České dráhy is investing heavily in modernising its rolling stock, including regional trains. We have already deployed dozens of RegioPanter and RegioFox units and, as the first operator in Czechia, introduced battery-powered trains in the Moravian-Silesian Region. This technology has great potential and will gradually expand to other regions. Battery-electric multiple units are emission-free and quiet and can also operate on non-electrified lines. They not only replace conventional diesel trains but also give passengers one fewer change where an electrified section ends. As I like to say, the battery era is approaching, and České dráhy will certainly be part of it.
You have talked about trains becoming mobile offices, the modernisation of long-distance trains and the introduction of battery-powered units in regional areas. Looking five to ten years ahead, what do you think will be the biggest change for the average passenger – from ticket purchase and comfort on board to the reliability of connections?
Looking ahead, rail travel will become significantly simpler, more comfortable and interconnected. We are working towards a model in which the entire journey is experienced as a seamless service. We want the České dráhy logo to stand for the first and most natural choice for everyday travel, not merely a means of transport.
