Prague’s governing coalition finds itself amid a crucial debate regarding the proposed substantial increase in public transport fares. The escalating subsidy levels, which officials term as ‘unsustainable’, have ignited this discussion. Deputy Mayor for Transport, Zdeněk Hřib, has been presented with proposals from coalition members that suggest a significant leap in the annual pass price. The proposal recommends doubling the current annual ticket price of CZK 3,650 to an approximate CZK 7,300.

Public Transport Fares: A Global Perspective

The conservative ODS party has confirmed its involvement in these negotiations. Their representative, Tomas Portlik, shed light on the fact that despite having some of the lowest fares globally, Prague also tops the chart when it comes to subsidy rates. Currently, the city covers around 85 percent of the operating costs through subsidies. In contrast, international standards typically see fares funding over 50 percent of transportation costs, a stark contrast to Prague’s 15 percent.

Prague’s Sustainable Mobility Plan

Prague has set an ambitious goal as part of its sustainable mobility plan. The city aims to reduce subsidies to just 75 percent of costs by 2030. However, Petr Witowski, the head of the transport company, has called the current fare ‘unbearably low.’ He suggests a fare funding goal closer to 35 percent would be more optimal for long-term stability.

A Balancing Act: Affordability Vs. Fiscal Pressure

Prague’s officials now face a significant challenge. They must strike a delicate balance between keeping the service affordable for the public and managing the fiscal pressures that subsidy-dependent services bring, especially amid rising inflation. While no final decision has been made on the exact fare levels yet, it is clear that the city’s transportation system is on the cusp of a significant change.

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