Škoda is a well-known car brand in Estonia. Now, Škoda trains will start running across Estonia. Škoda cars and trains are different, but they can be compared.
Škoda trains are different. A commuter train can be compared to a Škoda Superb. A long-distance train is like a Škoda Octavia. Driving a Škoda train requires additional training because it needs more manual control.
Passengers need to get used to new rules. Currently, you can exit from smaller stops via the middle door. On the new Škoda trains, only the first and last doors will open.
Conductors walk a lot on the train. Daily, they take 10,000 to 12,000 steps. Škoda trains are longer, so even more steps are required.
Škoda trains offer many comforts. The toilet is larger. Long-distance trains have coffee and snack vending machines. Business class is separate.
Elron wants to buy even more trains. In January, a tender for five new trains will be announced. These will start running from Tallinn to Pärnu.
The new trains are designed for longer trips. You can travel up to 4 hours on them. Comfort is planned accordingly.
Starting from January 5th, Elron will open a new route between Tallinn and Tapa. You won’t be able to travel to Tartu soon, even though the trains were ordered specifically for Tartu.
Škoda trains are expensive. One three-car electric train costs about 9 million euros.