Škoda Vagonka succeeded in a public tender and in July 2011 signed a contract worth app. 39 mil. eur with Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos geležinkeliai) to deliver five new multiple electric units class 575, known as CityElefant. The new double deck units will be supplied in the 2012 – 2014 period and will extend the Lithuanian Railways’ fleet of four existing CityElefants that passengers on the Vilnius-Kaunas link enjoy since 2008, where every unit on average runs 700 km a day.

Škoda Vagonka is a direct successor of passenger rail vehicle production tradition with production program oriented on products in the area of electric units for suburban transportation, motor units, light regional vehicles and trailers. Electric multiple unit class 575 arises from operational proved class 471. It is designed for suburban traffic in vicinity of large cities on tracks primarily in Lithuania with gauge 1520 mm, powered by traction 25 kV/50Hz. It provides for passengers new quality of travelling on these tracks.

The unit configuration is fitted with automatic couplers and according to operation it is possible to couple and control up to 12 vehicles. Modern high-capacity interior 1^st and 2^nd class, low floor entrance, air conditioning, possibility of beverage dispensing machine and the other items provide distinct comfort increase for passengers on Lithuanian Railways. Entrance ramps, folding fool boards and rooms without barriers including toilet, equipped with Braille letters that all enables handicapped people travelling.

Sophisticated ergonomic design of the driver's cabin makes the driver's work easy and increases operational safety. Passengers' safety is also increased by the use of internal and external cameras, automatic extinguishing system.

Technical paramenters

• Gauge: 1520 mm
• Maximum speed: 160 km/h
• Vehicle length over couplers: 79200 mm
• Vehicle width: 2820 mm
• Vehicle height: 4635 mm
• Number of seats: 304
• Output: 4 x 500 kW
• Nominal voltage: 25 kV/50Hz