SLOVAKIA: This month Skoda Transportation will begin trials with the first of two Type 109 E2 three-voltage electric locomotives ordered by ZSSK for €4·8m. It is expected to enter regular service in December, with the second to follow in June 2012.
The 6·4 MW Class 381 is derived from the 20 Type 109 E locomotives built for Czech Railways in 2008-10, with the top speed lowered from 200 km/h to 160 km/h for use on suburban services. They are equipped to work under 25 kV and 3 kV DC in Slovakia, and 15 kV in Austria. They are fitted with Mirel VZ1 signalling for Slovakia, LZB/PZB for Austria and ETCS Level 1 for the Bratislava – Nove Mesto nad Vahom line.
