We advised Škoda on signing a cooperation agreement with Elron for the construction of 10 additional electric trains. As a result of the contract, Elron’s train fleet will increase by more than 40% by 2027.
Better solutions for travelers
The new trains will have three cars and significantly improve the passenger experience with wider entry areas, as well as extra space for bicycles and passengers with baby strollers. The trains will be built on the RegioPanter platform, also used in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
“The new trains place great emphasis on passenger comfort. They have a low-floor entrance, space for two wheelchairs, and four prams. Some of the seats are removable so that the train can be adapted to the current situation – in summer there will be more space for bicycles, in winter more space for passengers. Of course, there is air conditioning, a modern information system, WIFI, 230 V and USB sockets,” describes the train features Ivo Gurňák, Sales Area Director Mainline at Škoda Group.
The modern trains will, among other things, serve the newly electrified railway section between Tallinn and Tartu, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. As such, according to the agreed schedule, the first Škoda train will enter service in Estonia in December 2024.
Elron is a state-owned company that organizes railway transport, including the provision of passenger transport and other related services, as well as the repair of railway rolling stock in Estonia.
Our services and client team
We advised Škoda on signing the option agreement with Elron. The contract is based on the public procurement carried out by Elron in 2021, in which Elron bought 6 trains from Škoda with the option to order 10 additional trains in the future. The contract with Elron is worth a total of over EUR 147 million.
By 2027, thanks to the cooperation with Škoda, Elron’s train fleet will increase by more than 40%, i.e. the number of trains will increase from 38 to 54 trains, which will significantly expand the opportunities to provide better passenger service and tighter schedules.
The client team was led by the head of our public procurement and public sector projects team, counsel Kadri Härginen.
More information: Škoda Group.
