The remaining two of our four cars of a brand new electric train supplied to Latvia from Škoda Group’s company Škoda Vagonka were delivered to the country by means of two secure trucks on 7 October, as reported by Pasažieru vilciens JSC.
The rolling portion, roof structures and the first two cars were delivered to Riga last week. This means three full electric train sets have been delivered to Latvia so far.
The first one reached Riga at the end of June, the second – at the end of July. Transportation of train sets from the Czech Republic to Latvia is done via cargo trucks through Poland and Lithuania.
In Riga train cars will be put together in order to begin test drives.
Both of the previously supplied electric trains are already used in test mode in Aizkraukle.
Pasažieru vilciens JSC plans to receive all 32 electric trains, which are to be used for passenger transports, by the end of 2023. Each train set consists of four train cars. The length of a single train set is 109 m.
Each train set has a total of 436 passenger seats.
All trains offer same-level boarding from passenger platforms. This not only makes boarding easy for all passengers, it also shortens passenger exchange times during stops. Boarding is also made easier thanks to wider doors.
New trains also have climate control, ergonomic seats, and other modern conveniences. Train cars are also fitted with audio and visual information systems and high-speed Wi-Fi access. New trains also have reduced noise levels. Top speed is close to 160 km/h (120 km/h with current trains).
It will be possible to reach top cruise speed in areas, where railway infrastructure can allow it.
After procurement of new electric trains Pasažieru vilciens JSC will be able to include these trains in timetables of active trains. This means that in morning and evening hours, when passenger traffic is the highest, trains will course every 15 to 20 minutes, the company promises.
New trains are planned to be used to carry passengers to and from Aizkraukle, Tukums, Skulte and Jelgava.
The total costs of the project reach EUR 257.889 million. The purchase of 23 new electric trains was coordinated with and thanks to funding from EU Cohesion Fund – EUR 114.211 million.