The fine calculated for Czech Škoda Vagonka for the various defects found in new electric trains procured by Latvia is EUR 267 770, as confirmed by representatives of Pasažieru vilciens (PV).
On top of that, the fine for failure to fix defects in new trains within the warranty term is currently EUR 263 500. The amount of money requested by passengers as compensation is EUR 372. The compensation for the use of locomotives is EUR 3 898.
At the same time, PV representatives stress that the fine amount goes up for every day Škoda Vagonka delays fixing defects covered by the mutual contract.
The company also adds that fines are calculated and presented once a month.
The current fine does not include the penalty for the train delivery delay. The maximum penalty amount for failure to deliver each individual train within a specific time frame is 10% of the train’s price.
PV presents Škoda Vagonka fines for failure to fix defects found in the new trains in time, as well as bills for direct losses – compensation amounts paid to passengers in situations when new trains break down or if train movement does not match the timetable, compensation for the use of locomotives to pull Škoda Vagonka trains in situations when defects make trains inoperable, as well as fines for failure to deliver trains on time.
As previously reported, Latvian Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens expects severe fines for Czech Škoda Vagonka.
The minister has also ordered an in-depth audit to assess the entire train procurement procedure. The minister wants a full evaluation of technical specifications, train delivery procedure, deployment of new trains, as well as responsibility of the people involved in these processes.
PV representatives previously explained that the defects uncovered in trains are to be fixed by Škoda Vagonka within a specific term of the warranty. A-level defects have to be fixed within 24 hours and B-level defects – within 72 hours.
“For an A-level defect that prevents the train from moving, the applicable fine amount is EUR 1 500 for every day that passes after the end of the term within which the defect was supposed to be fixed. The fine for timely fixing a B-level defect is EUR 500 for every passing day,” said PV board chairman Rodžers Jānis Grigulis.
PV started providing passenger transportation services using the new trains received from Škoda Vagonka around mid-December 2023. Before their deployment, the new trains underwent rigorous testing within Latvia’s railway infrastructure. Despite this, however, all sort of problems keep getting found in those trains. This is why there are problems with trains in Latvia.
The first two Škoda Vagonka 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.
The total costs of the project reach EUR 257.889 million.
Also read: Pasažieru vilciens council members step down amid scandal with train problems
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