Arriva signs €300 million contract with Škoda for next-generation electric trains for Czechia

Arriva Group has today signed a contract with Škoda for €300 million to supply new electric trains in Czech Republic, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to operating modern, sustainable and comfortable passenger transport across Europe.

Under the agreement, Škoda will supply 22 modern electric trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, helping Arriva deliver faster and more environmentally friendly travel for passengers.

Arriva’s investment in the new fleet follows the award of a 15-year, €750 million contract by the Czech Ministry of Transport last month to operate long-distance rail services connecting Prague, Pilsen and Western Bohemia – one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.

The new trains will be in operation from December 2028, cutting journey times and offering a compelling alternative to private car use. Around 80 per cent of the new fleet supply chain will be sourced locally in Czechia, reinforcing Arriva’s commitment to strong local partnerships and contributing to regional economic growth.

Sian Leydon, Managing Director for Mainland Europe at Arriva Group, 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.

“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.”

The new fleet builds on Arriva’s growing electric rail presence in Czechia, following the successful introduction of electric trains in the Pilsen region in 2023. 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.

Arriva continues to invest in sustainable travel solutions, such as zero-emission buses, electric and hybrid trains, and digital mobility solutions across Europe to deliver more connected, efficient, and environmentally responsible public transport. This latest contract and investment marks a significant step in Arriva’s European growth strategy, underlining its ambition to lead the shift towards greener passenger transport in liberalising markets.

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About Arriva Group:

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 36,200 people and delivering around 1.5 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day. The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe. Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.