The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Jihomoravsky kraj (the South Moravian region with capital Brno) earlier this week announced the conclusion of an agreement for the provision of CZK 2.57 billion loan (around 97 million EUR). The money will be used for the replacement of obsolete rolling stock meant to improve the availability and reliability of the fleet, and ultimately – to make railway transport in South Moravia a more attractive alternative to individual transport.
Making railway transport more attractive
Thanks to the preferential financial conditions offered by the EIB, Jihomoravsky will acquire 37 electric trainsets, which meet contemporary standards for comfort, accessibility and environmental impact. They will be used for suburban and regional passenger connections, mostly on the two main lines in the region – S2 Letovice – Brno – Kfenovice and S3 Khzanov – Tisnov – Brno – Vranovice – Bfeclav.
“I am glad that this project dedicated to the purchase of new trains has been completed thanks to the cooperation between our region and the European Investment Bank. After all, train sets, which are almost half a century old, still run on rails in our region. Rejuvenation of this fleet is therefore a necessity.
Although this is the largest-ever investment for the region, it has its own logic. Already when establishing its integrated transport system, the South Moravian Region chose railway transport as the backbone of the entire system.” commented Jan Grolich, Governor of the South-Moravia region, quoted on EIB website.
The project fits perfectly in the existing transport policy of Czechia with a view until 2050, which aims at providing sustainable alternatives for individual transport. One of the policy objectives of the document is to make railway transport more competitive, including for daily trips.
Furthermore, the purchase of the modern trainsets contributes to the goals set out in the EIB Climate Bank Roadmap for the next five years, which mentions smarter and sustainable transport as one of its focus areas for investment. Overall, since the start of operations in the Czech Republic, the EU’s climate bank has provided over 22.51 billion euros for the implementation of different climate projects.
Source: TheMayor.EU
