The upcoming nationwide timetable change brings mixed news for commuters in Pardubice Region. From 14 December a fleet of new RegioPanter EMUs will boost top speed on the electrified Pardubice–Hradec Králové shuttle, slashing end-to-end journey time to just 14 minutes—an attractive alternative to the often congested D35 motorway.
At the same time, the inter-regional tariff system IREDO is hiking most ticket prices by 13 % to offset energy inflation and the cost of the new trains. A standard adult single between the two university cities will rise from CZK 40 to CZK 45, while monthly passes go from CZK 1 160 to CZK 1 310. Students keep their statutory 50 % discount, but employers who bulk-buy season tickets for staff will face higher mobility budgets.
![Pardubice–Hradec express to cut journey to 14 minutes but regional fares go up 13 %]()
Regional authorities defend the increase, arguing that the RegioPanters offer free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets and 20 % more seating capacity. They also point out that the overall cost per seat-kilometre remains below the national average thanks to a new ten-year public-service contract with ČD.
For corporate mobility planners the faster timetable is a game changer: the 14-minute rail hop allows same-day meetings in both regional capitals without hotel stays, and the trains’ on-board power outlets support work-en-route. HR departments, however, should update travel-policy per-diems and commuter-benefit ceilings to reflect the fare hike, particularly for blue-collar staff who rely on single-trip tickets rather than passes.
Looking further ahead, IREDO wants to pilot dynamic pricing from 2027, potentially rewarding off-peak business travel and smoothing peak-hour crowding.
At the same time, the inter-regional tariff system IREDO is hiking most ticket prices by 13 % to offset energy inflation and the cost of the new trains. A standard adult single between the two university cities will rise from CZK 40 to CZK 45, while monthly passes go from CZK 1 160 to CZK 1 310. Students keep their statutory 50 % discount, but employers who bulk-buy season tickets for staff will face higher mobility budgets.
Regional authorities defend the increase, arguing that the RegioPanters offer free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets and 20 % more seating capacity. They also point out that the overall cost per seat-kilometre remains below the national average thanks to a new ten-year public-service contract with ČD.
For corporate mobility planners the faster timetable is a game changer: the 14-minute rail hop allows same-day meetings in both regional capitals without hotel stays, and the trains’ on-board power outlets support work-en-route. HR departments, however, should update travel-policy per-diems and commuter-benefit ceilings to reflect the fare hike, particularly for blue-collar staff who rely on single-trip tickets rather than passes.
Looking further ahead, IREDO wants to pilot dynamic pricing from 2027, potentially rewarding off-peak business travel and smoothing peak-hour crowding.
Source: iDNES.cz
