65-year-old Czech electric helps out at Regiojet

CZECH private rail operator Regiojet has won several contracts to operate regional passenger services, in addition to its extensive network of open access services. Since December 2021 Regiojet has operated inter-regional trains between Ústí nad Labem and Kolín on behalf of the Czech government.

The contract requires the use of double deck carriages and some have been obtained secondhand from DB in Germany, although none are in use so far. Regiojet has used its own loco fleet to operate the Ústi-Kolin service, normally using 1990s vintage Class 162 locos plus ex-Swiss or Austrian main line coaches.

During the summer of 2022 Regiojet regularly used much older Class 140 locos hired from Arriva’s Czech subsidiary. One hundred E499.0 later Class 140 locos were built between 1953 and 1958. A handful remain in use with open access freight operators.

ANDY DAVIES In striking blue and silver livery, based upon the livery the loco carried when new – 65 years ago – No. 140 052 arrives at Ústí nad Labem Střekov with train RJ1313 16.36 Ústí nad Labem hl-Kolín on September 13.