Prague’s public transport system, renowned for its efficiency, has recently been scrutinized due to an unexpected issue with its annual pass, the Lítačka. Commuters are caught off guard by the expiration of their passes, often discovering this only when confronted by ticket inspectors.
The annual Lítačka, popular among Prague residents and regular commuters, offers significant savings. Priced at 3,650 CZK for adults and 1,280 CZK for juniors, students, and seniors under 65, it provides a year of unlimited travel. Those over 65 enjoy free transport within Prague, except on trains.
The crux of the problem lies with those who use the physical card rather than the app. These users have no built-in reminder system for the approaching expiration date. One reader shared her experience of being fined immediately upon realizing her pass had expired during a ticket inspection.
However, Prague’s transport company offers some leniency. If a passenger purchases a new annual pass within five working days of the fine, the penalty is reduced by 200 CZK. This “Half Fine” system is designed to assist those who genuinely forgot rather than intentionally evaded the fare.
The solution lies in activating notifications. Aneta Řehková, a spokesperson for the transport company, clarified that reminders are sent only when customers activate this option in their account settings, in compliance with GDPR. Those who recharge their Lítačka at metro counters and haven’t registered their card online must rely on their memory.