SLOVAKIA: Škoda Transportation has rolled out the first of the Class 660 electric multiple-units ordered by national passenger operator ZSSK for use on regional services around Žilina.
The €160m contract for 25 dual-voltage 3 kV DC/25 kV AC EMUs with a maximum speed of 160 km/h was signed in March 2018, co-funded from the European Union’s Integrated Operational Programme 2014–20.
Škoda is to supply the first two units, while assembly of the rest of the fleet has been subcontracted to Slovakian company ŽOS Trnava using bodyshells, bogies and traction packages supplied by Škoda. All of the units are scheduled to be in service by 2022.
The 2 040 kW partly low-floor EMUs are based on RegioPanter units delivered to Czech national operator ČD as Class 440/640/650. ZSSK has ordered two variants, with 13 three-car units having 247 seats and 12 four-car units offering 343 seats. The interiors feature air-conditioning, LED lighting, space for bicycles or prams, an accessible toilet, audio-visual information system, CCTV, 230 V sockets and wi-fi.
