Pesa Acatus Plus
Pesa Acatus Plus is a family of electric multiple units manufactured by Pesa in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Designed as an advanced version of the Pesa Acatus II, it serves as a cost-effective alternative to the Pesa Elf. The Acatus Plus is operated by Polregio and Koleje Małopolskie, with a total of 13 units produced: nine 3-car and four 2-car units.
History
Development
Pesa introduced the Pesa Elf, but it lost several tenders to competitors offering lower-cost vehicles. To address this, the Bydgoszcz-based manufacturer developed the Acatus Plus, a new family of electric multiple units that balances affordability with the requirements of certain operators. The Elf remained in Pesa's portfolio for international orders and tenders with stricter specifications.Orders
- 4 September 2013 – contract signed for the delivery of two 40WE EMUs to the Subcarpathian Voivodeship.
- 18 October 2013 – contract signed for the delivery of six 40WEa and four 41WE EMUs to the Lesser Poland Voivodeship.
- 25 August 2015 – contract signed for the delivery of one 40WE EMU to the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship.
Testing
In late July 2014, the first 3-car Acatus Plus, designated EN62-002, underwent testing at the Test Track Centre near Żmigród.Design
The Acatus Plus is an electric multiple unit designed for regional rail and commuter rail services, available in configurations ranging from 2 to 6 cars. Only 2-car and 3-car versions have been produced, while a 4-car version was designated but not built.The Acatus Plus is based on the Pesa Acatus II, with differences in the propulsion and running gear systems, as well as compliance with Technical Specifications for Interoperability Lok&Pas crashworthiness standards.
The units feature a new family of bogies: 27MN and 42AN, with reduced axle spacing of 2,700 mm and 2,600 mm, respectively. Powered bogies are equipped with VEM motors and Gmeinder gearboxes, while unpowered bogies use a single pair of pneumatic springs for body support.
The floor at door areas is 760 mm above rail level, with high-floor sections above powered bogies accessible by steps. Transition areas between cars have sloped flooring, and steps at entrances accommodate lower platforms.
In the first quarter of 2025, Koleje Małopolskie announced a tender for periodic P4-level maintenance and modernization, including the installation of European Train Control System cab signaling, for four of its EN64 units.
Operations
Subcarpathian Voivodeship
On 4 September 2013, the Subcarpathian Voivodeship awarded Pesa a contract for two 3-car EMUs. The first unit was due by 31 August 2014, and the second by 30 September 2014. Both units were delivered by late November 2014 and began service on the Rzeszów Główny–Przemyśl Główny route.Lesser Poland Voivodeship
On 18 October 2013, a contract was signed with the Lesser Poland Voivodeship for six 3-car and four 2-car Acatus Plus units for the. The first two 3-car units were delivered on 3 November 2014, and presented on 6 November at Kraków Główny railway station alongside two Newag Impuls units purchased through the Southern Purchasing Group.The units were deployed on the – line, operated by the Lesser Poland Branch of Przewozy Regionalne. On 14 December 2014, Koleje Małopolskie began operations, taking over three EN64 units. An additional unit was transferred on 1 March 2015. Two units served the Kraków Główny–Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia line, with the others in reserve. Delivery of 3-car units was completed by 30 January 2015.
Between 2 January and 6 March 2015, all four 2-car EN99 units were delivered and handed over to Przewozy Regionalne. On 1 September 2015, Koleje Małopolskie took over two EN64 units from Przewozy Regionalne. On 13 September 2015, EN64-008 was used for a promotional trip on the Kraków Główny–Kraków Lotnisko railway during the "Odlotowa Niedziela" event, celebrating the completion of the first part of the new passenger terminal at Kraków John Paul II International Airport. Regular services to began on 28 September.
On 5 December 2015, EN64-002 made a promotional trip from Kraków Główny to Miechów. On 13 December 2015, four EN99 units were transferred to Koleje Małopolskie, which also began operating the Kraków Główny–Miechów–Sędziszów route.
On 11 December 2016, Przewozy Regionalne resumed operation of the Kraków Główny–Sędziszów route, and all Acatus Plus units were transferred back to them. On 10 December 2017, four EN64 units were returned to Koleje Małopolskie.
Each Acatus Plus unit was given a unique name: Solny, Szarotka, Centuś, Królewski, Zalipianka, Juhas, Gazda, Poprad, Sabała, and Hejnalista.