Profitable operations, more passengers, and significant modernization not only of vehicles but also of services – these are the key topics of our conversation with Michal Krapinec, chairman of the board and CEO of České dráhy. A conversation looking back at the past year, evaluating the present, and peeking into the months ahead.
The České dráhy Group’s Annual Report for 2024 was recently published. For the third year in a row, the Group managed to post a profit. How did České dráhy as such perform?
The České dráhy Group earned 1.3 billion CZK in 2024. The parent company, České dráhy, posted a profit exceeding 2 billion CZK. We managed to attract even more passengers to our trains – a total of 168.8 million, which is 4.4 million more year over year. And here are some more numbers: last year, we invested 18 billion CZK in over 140 new vehicles. Transport performance also increased. On average, every Czech used our trains about fifteen times a year, covering a distance comparable to a journey from Prague to Geneva. We are convinced that our massive fleet modernization is paying off. Last year, we promised passengers 22,000 seats in modern and comfortable trains. And it’s great that we delivered. Our regional train "animal family" grew by dozens of new electric RegioPanters and diesel-powered RegioFoxes. We delivered Foxes and Panthers to regions across the country. Our long-distance fleet expanded with more ComfortJets. We took delivery of eight of these state-of-the-art trains last year, and by the end of this year, we’ll have fourteen. A new development is the gradual deployment of ComfortJets in their complete nine-car configuration, including a new first-class dining car and control car. We’ve already introduced the first full trains into trial operation with passengers. ComfortJets are intended for international routes – in addition to Berlin, they will also serve Vienna and Budapest, and later even the Danish capital Copenhagen.
Battery-powered trains have been in operation for several months – a major innovation on Czech tracks. How have they performed?
That's right – we launched battery-powered trains in mid-December last year in the Moravian-Silesian Region. They’re still in trial operation, but we already know it was a good move. These trains have enabled a completely new travel model. Previously, passengers traveling from Ostrava to Veřovice had to transfer from an electric train to a diesel one in Studénka. Now, the entire route can be handled by a battery-powered unit. On electrified sections, the RegioPanter runs on electric power, and on non-electrified segments, it switches to battery. This makes travel faster and more comfortable, which is reflected in the growing number of passengers. At the same time, the technology is more environmentally friendly thanks to reduced CO₂ emissions. The battery unit charges while running or when stopped under overhead lines. And because of regenerative braking, the batteries can also recharge while the train is slowing down, even outside electrified areas. These battery-electric trains are a smart and efficient solution with great potential for the future, especially in areas where electrification of regional lines is not feasible or cost-effective. Alongside electric trains, we’re also working on reducing emissions from diesel trains. We're testing the use of environmentally friendly HVO fuel in our RegioFox units.
The new RegioFox diesel multiple units have increased comfort on many regional lines.
Does the historic modernization of the fleet also include adequate maintenance facilities?
High-quality facilities at our depots are key during this period of fleet renewal – and they also speed up the entire maintenance process. That’s why we’re working intensively to provide proper repair infrastructure for the new trains. Today’s trains are full of electronics and smart systems that require precise diagnostics and care. Maintenance is therefore much more sophisticated than it used to be. We’re building or renovating repair depots, upgrading equipment, and establishing new sites – including modern facilities for our employees. Construction is currently in full swing in cities like České Budějovice, Cheb, Česká Třebová, and Olomouc.
There has been a lot of talk about the quality of mobile and data coverage on trains. Are you planning any improvements in this regard?
The range of services available during a train journey is one of the deciding factors for passengers choosing between a train or a car. On a train, you can answer emails, listen to podcasts, or watch movies. We’re now preparing to launch pilot testing of data connectivity using Starlink technology. The manufacturer, SpaceX, has lent us a prototype antenna free of charge. We’ll be among the first in the world to test this technology. We’ve also secured subsidies to improve the availability of data and voice services, so we’ll be equipping all Pendolinos, railjets, and InterPanters with so-called mobile signal repeaters. Additional improvements will come from laser window treatment, which makes it easier for mobile signal to pass through. All new trains are already equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, and we’re currently carrying out a major router upgrade to more modern models. We believe passengers will appreciate all these enhancements during their journeys.
Battery powered trains are being deployed by ČD on the line from Ostrava via Studénka to Veřovice.
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.
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