The project to introduce the European ETCS safety system on Czech railways has achieved another major success. The European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) has granted type approval for the 680 series (Pendolino) units, while the Czech Rail Authority has issued type approval for the 961 series control car intended for domestic use.
In both cases, the approval concerns prototype vehicles that have met strict European safety and interoperability requirements. The ERA’s decision was issued within the statutory period in accordance with the European Interoperability Regulation, and it also permits the vehicles to be placed on the market. These significant steps pave the way for the subsequent approval of series vehicles and the gradual transition to regular operation under the supervision of the ETCS system. This success is the result of close professional cooperation between České dráhy, the Rail Authority, ERA, Škoda Group, ČMŽO-e and other partners with whom ČD – Telematika is moving Czech railways towards higher safety and modern European standards.
