ČD Hires Vectrons From RSL

On 11 March 2021, ČD took over into hire most of the first six locomotives from Slovak leasing company Rolling Stock Lease (former S Rail Lease).

At first, five locomotives have been handed over, the sixth followed on 12 March. Up to 50 Vectrons are subject of the framework contract signed on 17 February 2021 and so far a hire of thirteen is currently firmly agreed. Another seven Vectrons are scheduled to follow by the end of October 2022.

The first six, 193 695, 696, 698, 699, 769 and 963, moved from Bratislava to Praha on the night of 9/10 March 2021. They are intended for hauling the R18 line Praha - Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště services. The full regular diagramming is scheduled for start as of 6 April, however they started to appear here as early as 12 March, the first service on this day being R 885 Praha - Luhačovice hauled by 193 698.