ČD launches tender for six Taurus locomotives

The locomotives are being offered for around €2.26 million to €2.46 million each, together with a stock of spare parts and materials. Bidders can submit offers for individual locomotives and selected spare parts or for the complete package. The three-system locomotives can operate under 3 kV DC, 25 kV 50 Hz AC and 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC and are approved for service in Czechia, Austria, Germany and Hungary. Units 1216 902 and 903 are also approved for Poland and Slovenia. The Taurus locomotives have a maximum speed of 230 km/h and continuous power of up to 6 MW. Units 1216 951–954 are equipped with Siemens Trainguard 200 IS2b ETCS, while 1216 902 and 903 have Polish SHP train protection and radio equipment but no ETCS. Built between 2007 and 2011, the six locomotives have each accumulated between 2 million and 2.5 million kilometres. ČD withdrew the class from operation during 2026, and all six units are currently stored out of service. The sale forms part of ČD's fleet renewal and standardisation programme. The operator has already withdrawn Classes 150.2 and 151 and most Class 242 and 371 locomotives, while the Class 380 fleet is due to leave service with the timetable change in mid-December 2026.