The annual public transit pass would increase in price from the current 3,650 CZK to 4,380 CZK, according to news server Lidovky.
“Although we know this is not a popular decision, it is necessary that public transport in Prague does not collapse,” said Adam Scheinherr, Deputy Mayor for Transport Adam Scheinherr (Praha Sobě).
“Compared to twenty years ago, Prague City increased passengers’ comfort, but if we want to continue offering a better service, as the construction of the new metro D or new tram lines, we need to adjust ticket prices,” explains Scheinherr.
Starting from next year, a 30-minute ticket would rise in price from the current 24 CZK to 32 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket from 32 to 40 CZK. “Today, the annual coupon costs 10 CZK a day, we are considering raising the price by 1 or 2 crowns,” added Scheinherr.
“Salaries have been constantly rising in Prague – twenty years ago citizens could buy three annual tickets with an average salary, today they can buy nine of them,” Scheinherr said, adding that the cost of salaries for drivers and energy has also risen significantly.
Due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the capital’s fare revenues fell sharply, mainly from tourists.
In the first three months during the coronavirus crisis, Prague Transport Company lost CZK 500 million in fares and expects to collect up to CZK 1.7 billion less from passengers in the whole year.
On the contrary, costs had been rising before the crisis, mainly because of the drivers’ salaries.
Prague City decided to reduce the annual pass price in 2015 from the original CZK 4,750 to CZK 3,650.
