Bydgoszcz, Poland – A novel generation of high-speed trains is rolling off the production lines at Pojazdy Szynowe Pesa Bydgoszcz, but they’re initially destined not for Polish rails, but for the Czech Republic. The Polish manufacturer, Pesa, has secured a significant order from the Czech operator RegioJet for 18 modern electric trains capable of reaching speeds of 200 km/h (approximately 124 mph). This development highlights Pesa’s growing international presence and its evolution from a repair facility to a leading rail vehicle producer, but also raises questions about domestic demand for this advanced technology.
The story of Pesa Bydgoszcz is one of transformation. Founded in 1851 as a repair workshop for the East Prussian Railway, the company – originally known as Ostbahn-Werkstatt-Bromberg – spent nearly 150 years focused solely on maintenance and repair. It wasn’t until 2001, after being renamed Pojazdy Szynowe Pesa Bydgoszcz, that the company shifted its focus to the manufacturing of complete rail vehicles. Today, Pesa is a major player in the Polish rail industry, employing hundreds and contributing significantly to the regional economy. According to recent financial data from 2024, the company reported revenues of 2.568 billion PLN and a net profit of 23.8 million PLN. The majority stake in Pesa is held by the Polish Development Fund (Polski Fundusz Rozwoju), with a 99.8% ownership share.
The new trains for RegioJet represent a significant technological leap for Pesa. The order is divided into two configurations: 11 four-car sets, each 105 meters long and offering 300 seats, and seven three-car sets, 79 meters long with a capacity of 200 passengers. All units will feature three classes of travel and are designed to operate on both 3kV DC and 25kV AC power lines, providing flexibility for operation across different rail networks. The first of these trains is nearing completion and is expected to start testing in Velim, Czech Republic, soon, as reported by Rynek Kolejowy.
A Focus on Czech Routes, With Potential for Polish Expansion
RegioJet intends to deploy the new trains primarily on the R9 line connecting Prague and Brno, a key route within the Czech Republic. However, the operator has indicated a potential for expanding the employ of these trains to other connections, potentially including routes that extend into Poland. This possibility raises the prospect of seeing Pesa-built trains operating on Polish tracks, albeit in RegioJet livery.
The lack of immediate domestic orders is a point of discussion. While Pesa has a strong track record of supplying trains to Polish operators, the current order from RegioJet demonstrates the company’s ability to compete successfully in international markets. The Czech order underscores Pesa’s ability to meet the demands of modern rail travel, offering comfortable and efficient transportation for passengers. The trains are designed to enhance the passenger experience with multiple classes of service and high-speed capabilities.
Pesa’s Evolution and the Future of Polish Rail
Pesa’s journey from a repair workshop to a modern rail vehicle manufacturer reflects the broader evolution of the Polish rail industry. Following World War II, the company operated as Zakłady Naprawcze Taboru Kolejowego (ZNTK) in Bydgoszcz, focusing on repairs. The shift towards manufacturing began in earnest in 2001, driven by a desire to modernize and expand the company’s capabilities. This transition mirrors a broader trend in the Polish rail sector, with increased investment in new infrastructure and rolling stock.
The company’s success in securing the RegioJet contract is a testament to its engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities. The trains are being entirely designed and assembled in Bydgoszcz, showcasing the potential for Polish innovation in the rail sector. The dual-voltage capability of the new trains is a particularly noteworthy feature, allowing them to operate seamlessly on different rail networks across Europe.
While the initial rollout of these trains will be in the Czech Republic, the potential for their operation in Poland remains a distinct possibility. The success of RegioJet’s operations with the new Pesa trains could pave the way for future orders from Polish operators, further solidifying Pesa’s position as a key player in the regional rail market. The company continues to explore opportunities for innovation and expansion, with a focus on developing sustainable and efficient rail solutions.
The next step for Pesa is the completion of the first train and its subsequent testing in Velim. The results of these tests will be crucial in validating the train’s performance and ensuring its readiness for commercial operation. RegioJet is expected to provide further updates on the deployment schedule and potential expansion plans in the coming months. Readers interested in following the progress of these new trains can locate more information on the Rynek Kolejowy website.
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