Three Talgo VI passenger trainsets, withdrawn from service in Spain in recent years, are being prepared for use by Renfe’s Czech subsidiary Leo Express, Spanish El Economista reports.
Each of the refurbished formations has between nine and eleven coaches, with a maximum speed of 180–200 km/h. The sets feature an articulated design, independent wheels, pendulum suspension, and variable gauge capability. The configuration includes a mix of first- and second-class coaches, restaurant and cafeteria cars, reclining-seat coaches, sleeping cars, and generator vans.
The three trainsets will form a 13-vehicle fleet for Leo Express services in Central Europe. Before entering service, they will be sent to the Velim test track in the Czech Republic. Staff from Leo Express have been in Spain over the past month working alongside Tarvia, the Renfe–Talgo joint venture responsible for maintenance.
The units will be leased through Renfe’s rolling stock leasing subsidiary, Renfe Alquiler de Material Ferroviario, also known as Rosco. This follows the 2023 agreement in which Rosco leased 21 Alstom Coradia LINT units to Leo Express for a decade to operate Slovakia’s Bratislava–Komárno line.
In 2024, Leo Express reported revenues of CZK 1.02 billion (approx. €40.4 million), up CZK 410 million (approx. €16.2 million) compared with the previous year. The operator carried 3.8 million passengers—double the 2023 total—and logged 4.6 million train-kilometres. Investments in 2024 included €5 million for ETCS installation and a planned €16 million programme to adapt rolling stock for both direct and alternating current operation, partially supported by EU funding.
