The Spanish public operator Renfe has announced the formalisation of the lease of three Talgo VI trainsets to the Czech company Leo Express, 50% owned by Renfe Proyectos Internacionales.
This operation, which we announced in Trenvista on 5 August, will increase the Czech company’s offer of international services. Specifically, Renfe indicates that they will be destined for the route linking Prague with Bratislava from the second quarter of 2026.
Although there are voices that defend that they should continue to provide service in Spain, the lack of locomotives hinders their use. On high-speed lines, services can be covered by Alvia trains, with a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
The contract, the amount of which has not been disclosed, will have a duration of 10 years. Each train consists of 13 variable-gauge carriages, with a maximum speed of 200 km/h and a seating capacity of 354.
These trainsets were in service in Spain until December, being destined for the Madrid-Algeciras Intercity. After their withdrawal from service, they were transferred to Can Tunis where they were overhauled, and cars were added to reach the final number.
Although the lease is only now being announced, the first composition, 6B16, was moved to the Czech Republic on 7 August, with the French company Captrain in charge of the movement.