EUROPE: Open access passenger operator Leo Express ran a special train to show its recently-acquired Talgo trainsets to invited guests ahead of their introduction between Praha and Bratislava on April 30.
The operator said the Talgo trainsets stand out for their generous seat pitch, low-floor design and step-free access, as well as onboard catering options that include at-seat service and a buffet car.
Although the Talgo VI sets date from the 1990s, the trains have been extensively refurbished; similar formations remain in service in Spain on routes such as Madrid – Almería and València – Cartagena.
Designed for a maximum speed of 200 km/h, the trains will initially operate at up to 160 km/h.
The 13-car formations have a capacity of 348 passengers, with 308 seats in Economy and 40 in Business. The seat pitch of up to 1 m in Economy class is claimed to be among the most generous in second class in the Czech Republic. Quiet zones are provided in both classes across two vehicles, and other facilities include a dedicated family area with space for prams.
A diesel generator car is located at one end of the rake. ‘Although an electric locomotive can supply the train with electricity, we use a diesel power car for much greater flexibility, including the ability to provide onboard power during extended station stops without relying on the locomotive’, Köhler told Railway Gazette International. The generator car carries the branding ‘sun-fuelled innovation’ on the exterior, but Leo Express has yet to confirm if this means modifications to the vehicle to reduce emissions are planned.
‘Bringing innovation to the Czech and Slovak railway market’
The special train left Praha at 11.04 on April 23, arriving in Bratislava at 18.05. The relatively long journey time reflected extended station dwell times, including a 50 min stop at Břeclav.
‘Leo Express is bringing innovation to the Czech and Slovak railway market’, said Chief Executive Peter Kohler during the review trip. ‘Low-floor accessibility and exceptionally comfortable seating, combined with passive tilting based on independently rotating wheels, are unique in central Europe and offered only by Leo Express, which has worked intensively with its strategic partner RENFE to modernise and adapt the Talgo VI trainsets for the central European market.
‘The route via southeastern Morava to Bratislava and the large residential district of Petržalka is currently not served by any carrier’, he added.
Journey times for two daily Praha – Bratislava Hlavná Stanica return services will range from 5 h 32 min to 6 h 4 min, while the Praha – Prešov services will take between 8 h 53 min and 9 h 36min. The afternoon departure from Praha will terminate at Bratislava-Petržalka, which has not previously been served by direct trains from the Czech capital.
Leo Express unveiled the trainsets alongside representatives of Spanish incumbent RENFE which has a 50% stake in the operator.
‘RENFE is very satisfied with the collaboration with Leo Express, which allows us to add two new strategic routes to our network and strengthen our presence in central Europe’, said President & CEO Álvaro Fernández Heredia in Praha.