As summer temperatures soar in Prague, tram drivers face a unique challenge. Štěpán Šmehlík, a veteran driver with the Prague Public Transport Company since 2010, reveals that temperatures inside the tram cabin can reach a sweltering 50 degrees Celsius (122°F) when outside temperatures hit 36°C (97°F).
“Sometimes, in this metal monster baking under the sun, it’s simply overwhelming,” Šmehlík admits. “You find yourself longing for those higher-speed stretches, like heading to Modřany, just to catch a breeze.”
Recent years have seen an increase in air-conditioned trams, improving travel comfort. Drivers can control their cabin’s air conditioning while software regulates passenger areas. However, passenger behaviour can significantly impact the system’s effectiveness. “People often feel it’s hot inside despite the air conditioning running, so they open windows. But we know this reduces the air conditioning’s efficiency. The cold air escapes, essentially cooling the outdoors,” Šmehlík explains.
To combat the heat, drivers like Šmehlík consume up to three litres of water during their shifts, lasting between eight and thirteen hours. The company provides ionic drinks; drinking water is available at every terminus. “The cold water from the machine goes down like it’s into a well,” Šmehlík says with a smile.
Despite the challenges, Šmehlík views his job as a hobby. His passion for the profession has led him to become an instructor over the past seven years. “We show how things work here and offer rides in training vehicles,” he says, inviting interested individuals to the monthly recruitment days organized by the transport company.