Politics
Prague Approves Major Transit Expansion Starting January 2027
The approved plan shifts bus and tram frequencies in central and outer districts, with residents in Prague 4 and Prague 6 seeing initial timetable changes from the first quarter of 2027.
How we reported this
The Prague City Council passed the 2027-2030 Urban Mobility Update on July 7 with a 37-12 vote, establishing specific start dates for adjustments to 14 bus routes and eight tram lines. The measure reallocates 1.2 billion Czech crowns from the municipal transport budget to increase service frequency on lines serving Prague 4 and Prague 6, with the first timetable revisions scheduled for January 2027.
Why the vote occurred now
Council records show the decision follows the expiration of the previous mobility contract with the Prague Public Transit Company at the end of 2026. The new framework incorporates updated ridership data collected through 2025, which recorded 892 million passenger trips across the network. Policy analysts note the timing aligns with the release of the city's annual budget documents in June, which projected a 4 percent rise in operating costs for diesel buses.
Local residents in Prague 4 will encounter revised bus intervals on routes 121 and 148 beginning 6 January 2027, shortening average wait times from 12 minutes to nine minutes during peak hours. In Prague 6, tram line 20 will add two additional vehicles per hour from March 2027, directly affecting commuters traveling between Dejvice and the city center. The legislation states these changes apply only to routes within Prague city limits and do not extend to regional services operated by the Central Bohemian Region.
Budget figures and next steps
The council document allocates 820 million Czech crowns for new low-floor trams to support the increased frequency, with delivery contracts expected to be signed by October 2026. The remaining funds cover infrastructure upgrades at four depots located in Prague 9 and Prague 10. The government projects full rollout of all listed route adjustments by December 2028, with quarterly progress reports published on the city transport authority website.
Implementation begins with public consultation sessions scheduled for August 2026 in each affected district. Residents can submit route-specific feedback through the municipal portal until 15 September 2026. The Prague Public Transit Company will publish final timetables 90 days before each phase takes effect, starting with the January 2027 adjustments.