Dozens of modern trains, which passengers experience from Cheb to Mosty u Jablunkova, along with improvements and entirely new offerings on board as well as on-line. These are the attributes currently defining the professional life of Michal Krapinec, chairman of the board and CEO of České dráhy.
What currently brings you the most fulfillment in your work?
Certainly the transformation that České dráhy is undergoing. This is unprecedented in the company's history - new trains and locomotives are being deployed, services are being improved, and all of this is happening at an extraordinary pace. The numbers confirm this - this year alone, we are investing nearly 19 billion crowns in new trains. We will receive nearly 140 trains from manufacturers this year, deploying them in regions as well as on long-distance routes. In the regions, you can see the latest RegioPanter units, which operate on routes in the Moravian- Silesian, Zlín, Hradec Králové, Central Bohemian, South Bohemian, and Olomouc regions. In the latter, the Panthers run on the most modern regional track in the country, connecting Olomouc, Uničov, and Šumperk. Electric units here can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour - just like trains on the main corridors. Speed is another important factor influencing your choice between taking the train or driving in the morning.
Are you successful in convincing people who currently use personal transport to travel by train?
It’s a long haul but I’m convinced that we are. The numbers prove it. Last year, 164 million customers traveled with us, which is about half a million people every day on ČD trains. The connectivity of railways to other modes of transport is also important. But if you take a modern train to work in the morning, and the journey is faster than, say, by car, then I think it’s a clear choice. Moreover, the railway is the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. And it will continue to become greener, as what has previously only been talked about is becoming a reality in Czechia. I mean alternative engines, specifically batteries. This December, we will put the first battery- powered trains into operation. They will run in the Moravian-Silesian region. Passengers will enjoy “green” trains that offer a notably more comfortable travel experience, as we will deploy them on lines that aren’t fully electrified. This means passengers will no longer need to switch from electric to diesel trains. Instead, the train will adjust to the line’s conditions. On the main corridor, an electric train will operate using overhead power, while on the non-electrified side line, it will run on battery power.
You mentioned the new RegioPanter trains, but if I‘m not mistaken, that‘s not the only member of your „animal“ family. That other innovations are coming to the tracks?
Yes, you are right; alongside the Panthers, dozens of Foxes are also on the tracks. These are the new RegioFox motor units, which we have deployed in the Plzeň, Pardubice, South Bohemian, and Vysočina regions. It’s worth mentioning that they come equipped with Rolls- Royce engines, so you could almost say that a Rolls-Royce will be taking you to work in the morning. Our statistics show that where we introduce new trains, the number of passengers increases. But it’s not just about new trains; we also continuously work on improving our online environment. Our app, Můj vlak (My Train), is highly appreciated by customers. You can purchase a ticket today with just a few clicks, order bike transport online, have refreshments brought directly to your seat on the train, or check the estimated occupancy of the train using the so-called semaphore indicator.
A significant innovation is also the trains that Czech Railways operate under the ComfortJet brand. How do you feel about their operation so far?
ComfortJets are our star performers; they represent the most modern trains that both Czech and European railways have to offer. In addition to providing a comfortable ride, they are equipped with cutting-edge technologies. For instance, they have special windows that facilitate better cell phone signal reception, wireless chargers, and they are pressurized, which you’ll appreciate when passing through a tunnel or encountering another train. They can operate on high- speed tracks at speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour. Passengers can currently find ComfortJets on international routes from Prague to Berlin and Košice. All new trains, whether long-distance or regional, come with a range of common features. They include the European ETCS safety system, wheelchair accessibility, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB ports for charging electronic devices, along with chargers for electric wheelchairs and e-bikes. Air conditioning is standard, along with many other amenities. It’s up to you whether you choose to set up a train offce, enjoy watching movies for entertainment, spend time with your kids in the play area, or simply relax.
CV BOX
Michal Krapinec (born in 1986) is the chairman of the board and CEO of České dráhy.
He earned a law degree and started his professional career in legal advocacy. He has been working for the ČD group since 2012.
At ČD Cargo, he served as the secretary of the board and then took over the equity interest management and administration unit, where he was responsible for foreign expansion.
He later served as a member of the board of directors of ČD Logistics, a member of the supervisory board of ČD – Information Systems, and managed the equity interest management and administration department and the project office in the parent company.
In mid-2020, he became a member of the board of directors of ČD - Telematics, and in September 2021, its chairman. In March 2022, he was elected to lead České dráhy as the chairman of the board and CEO.
In his free time, he enjoys sports and traveling.
