SLOVAKIAN national passenger operator ZSSK has agreed a framework deal with Škoda Group and ŽOS Trnava for up to 36 two-car BEMUs, worth around €332m. An initial firm order for 16 trains is expected early next year. The tender for this order was launched in March with a target order value of €136m. This suggests a price of between €8.5m and €9.2m per unit.
Production will take place at Škoda facilities in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia by local manufacturer and consortium partner ŽOS Trnava. The new units will replace some diesel-powered trains on non-electrified lines and will reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 130 million kg compared with current operations.
