en.Wedoany.com Reported - Recently, Czech private railway operator Leo Express deployed S6 series trains manufactured by Spain's Talgo on two cross-border routes connecting Slovakia. Three Talgo trains were originally planned to serve the Prague-Olomouc-Bratislava and Prague-Prešov cross-border lines, but within a week of entering service, they faced a severe fleet crisis: one train suffered damaged windows due to vandalism, another was withdrawn from service due to technical faults such as door malfunctions, leaving only one train to maintain operations.

As the train fleet consists of only three units with tight turnaround times, and the reversing time at some terminal stations is less than 40 minutes, any delay or breakdown quickly cascades into subsequent schedules, resulting in hours-long delays on the very first day of operation. To maintain some services, Leo Express has already substituted operations with Stadler FLIRT electric multiple units.

Talgo articulated trains are renowned for their independent wheel axle design, offering strong curve negotiation capability and a low center of gravity. Hauled by Siemens Mobility Vectron locomotives, they were originally an ideal choice for traversing cross-border corridors with complex terrain. However, their articulated structure means that if a single carriage is damaged, the entire train must be taken out of service. Although the Talgo S6 trains were built in the late 1980s, they were refurbished between 2019 and 2020, capable of a maximum operational speed of 200 km/h, with a single train accommodating approximately 350 passengers.

This train introduction project stems from the strategic market layout of Spanish national railway operator Renfe in the Czech market. Renfe holds a 50% stake in Leo Express and, through its asset leasing subsidiary, has leased three Talgo S6 trains to Leo Express for a 10-year period. Czech operator spokesperson Emil Sedlařík stated that encountering problems during the initial phase of operation is a common phenomenon for every new train entering service.

Currently, the restoration of operations depends on the repair progress of the out-of-service trains and adjustments to the overall operational plan. Leo Express has committed to restoring full service by the end of May.

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