Kraków 2026-04-14

EZT PESA ED74 Edyta.

In May 2023, the modernization process of 14 ED74 electric multiple units, also known as the popular “Edyta” EMUs, was completed at the PESA Mińsk Mazowiecki plant. The trains were added to the network in seven trains. The original ED74 has four carriages, so they were paired. The trains operate on routes with journey times of less than four hours, as there is no refreshment service on board. It is also impossible to walk through the entire train while in motion. In May 2023, the last vehicle of this type joined the PKP InterCity fleet, part of a contract worth PLN 274.8 million gross. This is another example of successful cooperation between the national carrier and the Polish rolling stock manufacturer.

In June 2019, PKP InterCity signed a contract with PESA Mińsk Mazowiecki to modernize 14 ED74 electric multiple units. The first EMUs began carrying passengers in the second half of 2021. During the modernization, the vehicles underwent significant changes that improved the standard of the trains to best meet the needs and expectations of passengers.

History of the PESA ED74 EMU.

The ED74 vehicles were manufactured by the Polish company PESA Bydgoszcz between 2007 and 2008. They were designed according to specifications provided by the then-PKP Przewozy Regionalne company, specifically for the Warsaw-Łódź route. Axle configuration: Bo’2’2’2’Bo’. Car layout: s+d+d+s. Service weight: 158,900 kg. Length: 80.33 m, width: 2.87 m, height: 4.36 m. Wheel diameter: 0.84 m. Motor type: TMF59-39-4 with 4 x 500 kW. Power supply: 3 kV DC. Operating speed: 160 km/h. Brakes: Knorr + ED. Entry threshold height: 1.00 m from railhead. Seat capacity: 194 + 8. There are 179 Class 2 seats, and 21 Class 1 seats. Even before the modernization, the number and layout of seats were changed. Bicycle racks were also removed.

PESA Bydgostia (type 16WEk designated ED74 series, unit types 310Bak, 411Bak, 411Bbk, and 310Bbk). Fourteen ED74 EMUs were built. This train is a development of the PESA Acatus EMU. The doors are adapted to serve platforms with heights ranging from 0.30 m to 1.00 m. Additionally, a retractable step is installed.

The first and last bogies are type 22MNK driving bogies with a 2.50 m wheelbase. The bogies between the wagons are Jacobs-style 37ANK trailing bogies with a 2.50 m wheelbase. The EMU was built with multiple control and allows for the coupling of three EMUs. Tests revealed that the EMUs, due to their powerful motors, consume a lot of electricity, so two EMUs can be coupled together effectively. Closed toilets are installed in the driving wagons. The last “d” carriage has space for wheelchair passengers, with wheelchair lifts installed here. All wagons are equipped with air conditioning, railway information displays, an audio system, and monitoring. In 2009, an additional seat for an assistant driver was installed in the driver’s cabs of the EMUs, allowing for speeds exceeding 130 km/h.

In 2009, all ED74 EMUs were transferred to PKP InterCity. From the beginning of 2014, the first ED74 EMUs began undergoing Level P4 repairs, which included repainting in PKP InterCity colors. Previously, the EMUs had the Przewozy Regionalne red and black livery. And so began the process of putting the EMUs on the sidelines. By February 2015, only five of the 14 EMUs were operational. All the rest were awaiting periodic or routine repairs. In 2015, some of the units were owned by PolRegio, and others by InterCity. Koleje Małopolskie (Małopolska Railways) was interested in purchasing all 14 ED74 EMUs and began negotiations with PKP InterCity. PolRegio, on the other hand, submitted an offer to lease all the vehicles with the option of purchasing them later. However, the negotiations failed. Between 2014 and 2016, the trains were withdrawn from service. They were placed on side tracks in Warsaw and Krakow. The cars fell into disrepair and fell victim to vandals. Already in 2016, it was decided that these units could no longer be left and should be returned to service. Since the ED74 EMUs did not meet InterCity’s requirements, they had to be modernized. This entailed additional costs, but it was necessary. A technical dialogue process began. After this stage, PESA Bydgoszcz and ZNTK Mińsk Mazowiecki (now PESA Mińsk Mazowiecki) submitted bids. ZNTK Mińsk Mazowiecki was awarded the contract, and the agreement was signed in June 2019.

Modernization of the ED74 EMUs

In June 2019, a thorough modernization of the ED74 EMUs began. Everything inside the cars was removed, leaving only the shells. One pair of door openings in the side panels was removed. The window openings were reduced. The interior design was changed by installing new partitions. The interior design was completely redesigned. The LED lighting system was modified, along with additional lighting points for passengers after dark. The control system’s inverters and converters were replaced, improving the performance of the traction motors. The layout of the dashboard and the driver’s cab equipment were also modified. The seats were replaced and reconfigured. The car bodies and train heads were equipped with modern insulating materials. Sound insulation and thermal comfort were improved. The control system was improved, and acceleration and reliability were increased. Passengers benefit from air conditioning, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi. Every seat has access to a power outlet. Furthermore, cell phone signal amplifiers were installed in each train, and the vehicles are also adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Additionally, each EMU has a dedicated space for bicycles. The modernized vehicles have been improved sound insulation, which positively impacts travel comfort.

The first modernized ED74 unit was ready in March 2021. On December 12, 2021, the first two trains operated their first run on the Wrocław–Przemyśl route. By the end of 2022, 12 modernized ED74 EMUs had been delivered. In spring 2023, the modernization of the last two EMUs was completed, with the last unit, ED74-014, leaving the Mińsk Mazowiecki plant on May 31, 2023.

As is typical in Poland, when the media is controlled by Germans, communists, and Freemasons, criticism was showered. “Too few toilets, no compartments, cramped seats.” Not a single word of praise. InterCity invested PLN 7 billion in modern rolling stock. By 2030, the planned expenditure was to reach PLN 24.5 billion. Currently (2024), under the Volksdeutsche, Communist, and Masonic governments, it is unlikely that further programs will be implemented.

Initially, trains were assigned to routes with a travel time of up to 2 hours. Later, the time was increased to 4 hours. The travel time could not be increased because the train does not have a dining car.

After three years of operating the ED74 EMUs, PESA Mińsk Mazowiecki is satisfied with the modernization. The trains are out of their infancy and have low failure rates. These trains are widely available, and passengers have a good opinion of them. The EMUs’ power allows for rapid acceleration. They perform well on routes such as Kraków-Lublin. ED74 EMUs currently operate on the Wrocław-Katowice, Częstochowa-Kielce-Radom-Lublin, Lublin-Kielce-Katowice, and Lublin-Kielce-Kraków routes.

In 2025, the ED74 train usage pattern changed. Trains began running more frequently in single trains. New connections were introduced, such as: Kraków – Czechowice Dziedzice – Bielsko Biała, Katowice – Lublin InterCity “Sztygar,” Kraków – Poznań InterCity “Pułaski,” Katowice – Poznań InterCity “Spodek.” Plans were underway to launch the following connections: Wrocław – Lublin, Wrocław – Kielce, and others.

EZT ED74-009.

EZT ED74-009 was built in 2007. Serial number 16WEk-009/2007. Wagons EVN: 94 51 2 140 191-9 (PL-PKPIC a), EVN: 94 51 2 140 192-7 (PL-PKPIC b), EVN: 94 51 2 140 193-5 (PL-PKPIC c), EVN: 94 51 2 140 194-3 (PL-PKPIC d). First painting: black and red. In December 2007, the train was handed over to Łódź PKP Przewozy Regionalne. In December 2008, the train was handed over to Warsaw PKP InterCity. In December 2010, the train was handed over to Kraków for storage (Prokocim locomotive depot). After modernization in Mińsk Mazowiecki, it was transferred to the PKP InterCity facility in Poznań in November 2022, sporting a new livery. The train was on display at Kraków Główny station for Railway Worker’s Day (November 25, 2022).

Written by Karol Placha Hetman