This article examines the procurement challenges surrounding a major train operation contract in the Czech Republic.
Stadler’s Complaint Against Czech Railways
Stadler, a Swiss manufacturer of rolling stock, has lodged a complaint with the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS) regarding the tender process for a significant railway contract. The complaint criticises the selection method employed by Czech Railways, which was awarded the contract to supply new trains. The tender, valued at 165 billion koruna, has raised concerns about the criteria used in the selection process. Stadler’s representative, Marta Jarosińska, emphasised the importance of considering factors beyond just the initial purchase price, such as maintenance and operational costs, which can significantly influence the overall lifecycle expenses of the trains.
Concerns Over Contract Duration and Financing
In addition to Stadler’s complaint, another submission to ÚOHS questions the conditions of the tender for regional train operations set to begin in 2030. This complaint highlights that the 30-year contract duration may violate European legislation, which limits such contracts in passenger rail transport to a maximum of 15 years. The submission also points out the lack of accessible financing options for private operators compared to state-owned Czech Railways, potentially disadvantaging them in the bidding process. The document claims that private companies do not have the same level of access to financing from institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB) as their state counterparts.
Implications for Future Procurement Practices
The ongoing scrutiny of the tender process has significant implications for future public procurement practices in the Czech Republic. The complaints underscore the necessity for transparency and fairness in public contracts, particularly in large-scale projects like the EMU 400 trains. As the ÚOHS investigates these allegations, the outcome may influence how future tenders are structured, particularly regarding contract duration and evaluation criteria. Stakeholders, including private operators and public entities, are watching closely, as the resolution of these issues could set important precedents for competition and procurement standards in the rail sector.
IN NUMBERS
As the investigation by ÚOHS continues, the future of the contract and the broader implications for Czech public procurement remain uncertain.
Reported from seznamzpravy.cz, 2026-08-19. The Tender Wire is published by Otnox.
