From December 2026, the Czech railway company Regiojet will operate the long-distance connection between Prague via Havlíčkův Brod and Jihlava/Brno. It is a route that was advertised by the Ministry of Transport throughout Europe.

So far, this domestic railway connection has been served by the state competitor České dráhy. In December 2026, the private provider Regiojet will take over. "The newly tendered contract will bring passengers new trains and better accessibility to the regional town of Jihlava, as there will be a direct train between Praha, Havlíčkův Brod and Brno every 120 minutes, and a direct train from Praha via Havlíčkův Brod to Jihlava," explains Czech Republic Minister of Transport, Martin Kupka.

The award to Regiojet also means that the company will have to procure new multiple units to serve the subsidized route for which it has been awarded the contract. The invitation to tender states that the equipment must be manufactured by Pesa and must be capable of driving at least 200 km/h. Later, these will also be used on other routes, although these have not yet been advertised. The tender also stipulates that free WiFi and the opportunity to purchase snacks and drinks must be offered on board.

The Czech Republic has also made sure that low-floor vehicles are used. Because: Kupka emphasizes that at least one door on each side of each car must allow entry and exit without stairs. The aim is to ensure that passengers with restricted mobility can also travel without outside help.

The contract that the Ministry of Transport signed with Regiojet is dated for 15 years. The duration is justified by the fact that the transport company that was awarded the contract has a long depreciation period for the new rolling stock. Should the cooperation end prematurely, it was agreed that the trains would have to be resold to a possible new operator at normal market prices.