Czech Ministry of Transport allocates 56.65 billion CZK for railway services

The Czech Ministry of Transport has paid 56.65 billion CZK to railway operators over the last decade to ensure long-distance connections. For 2025, compensation payments are estimated at approximately 7.39 billion CZK, following 6.46 billion CZK in 2024.

Currently, the Ministry has ordered eight express and 22 rapid rail lines. While České dráhy (ČD) receives the majority of these funds, including over 6 billion CZK in 2025, the state is actively seeking increased competition through a series of tenders.

Recent and upcoming tender results include: - Leo Express will replace ČD on the Ex36 line (Prague to the German border) starting in December. - RegioJet has won the tender for the R10 line (Prague to Trutnov), replacing ČD in December 2028. - ČD has secured three rapid lines from Brno (R8, R12, and R13) to be operated from December 2027. - Arriva is the sole bidder for the R26 line between Prague and České Budějovice.

Further tenders for lines R10 (Prague to Děčín) and R23 (Kolín to Ústí nad Labem) are planned by the end of the year. Future competition will be guided by the Transport Service Plan for 2027–2034.