On Thursday, the 28th of December, JSC Pasažieru vilciens (PV) deployed seven new electric trains on various passenger railway routes.
At the same time, the company reports that PV has plans to deploy a total of 12 new electric trains by the end of the year.
The company explains that initially the manufacturer of those trains – Czech company Škoda Vagonka – planned to supply up to 19 new electric trains to PV by the end of the year. However, so far the company has provided PV with only 17 trains.
PV representatives also say that the interactive map on the company’s website correctly reflects only part of the new electric trains running on the railway lines, as no adequate GPS data is received from the other Škoda trains to ensure accurate data reporting.
“In the coming days Škoda Vagonka will add corrections to those blank trains’ data processing algorithms,
so that employees are able to confirm the validity of GDP data by performing the necessary checks during train rips in order to ensure accurate train position data on the interactive map,” the company explained.
At the same time, PV is working on a mobile app version with numerous functionality improvements, including the option to look up on the train timetable which trips will be carried out by the new electric trains.
LETA previously reported that on the 15th of December, PV started providing passenger-carrying services using three new electric trains in Tukums, Aizkraukle and Skulte. On the 16th of December new trains were deployed in Jelgava.
PV representatives previously explained that it is planned to receive all 32 electric trains by mid-2024.
Once all trains have been received and commissioned, it is planned to adopt interval timetables for electric trains. PV plans to use the new trains in morning and evening hours, which are usually the most packed. Trains will course every 15 – 20 minutes.
The first two Czech electric trains were delivered to Riga in June 2022.
Each train consists of four train cars. The length of a single train is 109 m. Each train has 436 seats and enough room for 454 standing passengers. All trains have same-level boarding from adapted train platforms.
Pasažieru vilciens representatives previously said the company will request Škoda Vagonka to pay a fine for their failure to deliver trains on time. The maximum fine for failure to deliver each train within the agreed upon time is 10% of the train’s price.
The total costs of the project reach EUR 257.889 million.
PV turnover in nine months of 2023 was EUR 44.256 million, which is 19.2% more when compared to 2022. The company’s profits are down 21% to EUR 458 074.
PV was founded in 2001 as a result of domestic passenger transport services being separated from Latvian Railway’s main functions. Previously PV 100% belonged to Latvian Railway as its subsidiary, but in October 2008 it was reformed into a state company.
Also read: ViVi fails. One new electric train breaks down mere days after initial deployment
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