ČD is gradually withdrawing several older locomotive and railcar types from regular passenger service as part of a broader fleet renewal programme. The move reflects the growing deployment of modern trainsets such as ComfortJet long-distance units and RegioPanter and RegioFox regional trains.
According to the operator, the transformation of the fleet is becoming increasingly visible across the Czech network as modern multiple units replace ageing locomotives and diesel railcars. New trains offer features such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, power sockets and step-free access, which are now considered standard by passengers.
Michal Krapinec, CEO and Chairman of the Board of ČD, said the renewal programme is gradually eliminating older or less numerous vehicle types from everyday operation as new rolling stock takes over passenger services.
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Operations Manager
Among the most visible changes is the end of regular service for diesel railcars of the Class 854, known among railway enthusiasts as “Hydras”. These units are currently being withdrawn from depots in Prague and other regions, with their final regular operations expected to end in the coming months. A small number of vehicles will remain available as reserve stock and may occasionally appear in service if newer trains are temporarily unavailable.
The fleet rationalisation also includes several electric locomotive classes that have already disappeared from daily operations, including Classes 150.2, 151 and 242. Only a limited number of Class 371 locomotives remain in use, mainly for seasonal services to Germany. Meanwhile, Taurus locomotives (Class 1216) are now used only as backup units without scheduled duties.
Further reductions are planned during the year. ČD expects to withdraw Class 380 locomotives from regular service and continue reducing the number of older diesel railcars, including the well-known Class 810 units. Around forty of these vehicles remain scheduled for regular operation, while roughly ninety are still listed in the operator’s fleet inventory.
Rolling stock that has been removed from service is typically offered for sale to potential buyers via digital platforms like RAILVIS.com and others. If no new operator is found, vehicles are dismantled and scrapped. At the same time, historically significant units are preserved for museum collections. Selected Class 854 railcars will be retained as heritage vehicles due to their role in Czechoslovak express services since the late 1960s, including the international Vindobona trains linking Berlin, Prague and Vienna.
The fleet renewal mirrors a broader trend across European railways, where operators are replacing ageing locomotives and diesel railcars with modern electric multiple units in order to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency and environmental performance.
