Old, rust-ridden, graffiti-covered trains will start disappearing from Czech tracks in the upcoming months as Czech Railways (ČD) implements the most sweeping train renewal plan in the state-owned company's history. Such a widespread - and expensive - project might seem foolhardy during a recession, but the plan's supporters say renewing the train fleet will lower operating costs and provide economic stimulus.

Czech Railways has come to an agreement with the state to begin destroying or renovating train engines and passenger cars older than 40 years, which accounts for nearly 50 percent of ČD's fleet of 4,000 trains. The company plans to invest up to 8 billion Kč ($454.5 million) per year over the next seven years to bring the average age of its trains down from 30 to 15 years. ČD spokesman Petr Pošta explained that the fleet was allowed to age significantly when continuous train renewal - a European norm - was abandoned in the Czech Republic more than a decade ago. ČD's recent efforts to update its cars signals a renewed commitment to modernizing rail transport and should continue in the future, he said.

"Old trains don't respond to the requirements of our customers and the standards of traveling," he said. "When updating older vehicles, we focus on technical and safety parameters, as well."