4/1/2026
Great to See Our Joint Efforts Materialised on Tracks
Leo Express is growing fast: new routes are launching, and new trains are on the way. A major force behind this development is Jan Renc, who, as Rolling Stock Manager, oversees the expansion of the company’s fleet. In simple terms: a role that keeps him more than busy.
A Journey in Rail
Jan’s path crossed with Leo Express in 2023. A trained economist and graduate of Masaryk University in Brno, he joined the company after completing an internship at Forum Train Europe in Switzerland, taking on the role of Business Development Analyst. By the end of last year, the moment for a career shift had arrived, and as of January, his email signature proudly carries the title Rolling Stock Manager. With it comes responsibility for acquiring the vehicles that you will see on the rails in the coming months and years in the colours of Leo Express.
At the moment, Jan is devoting most of his time to the Talgo project, which will introduce a new type of trainset to Czech tracks on the new Prague-Bratislava route. “These are low- floor passenger units with passive tilting technology, made possible through our partnership with Renfe,” Jan explains. He highlights one major advantage: “These trains can change the wheelset gauge while in motion – unique technology with strong potential, especially given the different track gauges across Central and Eastern Europe – particularly in the Baltics and Ukraine, where there is significant room for development.”
🚆 News on the Tracks
As a passenger, however, you’ll notice the exceptional comfort. Each trainset offers around 350 seats. “Talgo S6 boasts up to a one-metre seat pitch even in second class – a standard the Czech Ministry of Transport requires for first-class seating in new vehicles. In other words, the comfort you get in second class is comparable to first class on many other operators,” Jan notes. You’ll also appreciate the benefits of passive tilting, which ensures a smooth, comfortable ride through curves. And there’s more to look forward to: every trainset will include a full-size bistro car. “Passengers will be able to enjoy food and drinks” Jan says, adding that the current onboard catering concept will remain in place – our crew will continue to bring refreshments directly to your seat.
Beyond the Talgo project, Jan is also involved in other development initiatives at Leo Express. He helps prepare bids for tenders from the Ministry of Transport and regional authorities, which contract rail services on both regional and long-distance routes. This puts him in close contact with colleagues across the company and with train manufacturers – including those developing battery-powered units. He would love to see these zero-emission trains appear on new regional routes in Leo Express colours.
It’s a wonderful feeling to see a train on Czech tracks for the first time and know you helped bring it there.
Professional and Personal Challenges
In his free time, Jan is usually on the basketball court. After ending his playing career, he became a referee – and now officiates in the Czech top league. He also stays active through running. But his greatest passion is travel, though he doesn’t have as much time for it as he’d like. You’ll often find him with a camera in hand. In 2023, he documented life in Ukrainian cities, and his photos were used for fundraising to support Ukraine. And because Jan never stops learning, he added an MBA last March through a programme run by the University of Economics in Prague with UC Berkeley – on top of his two engineering degrees.
TEXT: Petr Manuel Ulrych
PHOTO: archiv of Jan Renc
The whole article is to be found in magazine of Leo Express
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