The Czech capital’s public transport system has just received a significant upgrade with the arrival of the Škoda ForCity Plus 52T tram at the Hostivař depot. The new vehicle, which made its journey from Plzeň on Thursday evening, is now preparing for its initial testing phase without passengers.
This modern addition is part of an ambitious contract worth 16.6 billion Czech crowns, signed between Škoda Group and Prague’s transport authority in December 2023. The agreement includes the potential delivery of up to 200 trams, with an initial commitment of forty vehicles.
The five-section, single-direction tram showcases cutting-edge features, including a state-of-the-art collision avoidance system that automatically monitors obstacles and can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to warnings. With a length of 32 meters, it can accommodate 243 passengers, offering 33 more spaces than its predecessor.
Prague’s transport infrastructure is set for expansion, with new tracks planned for various districts including Malešice, Strahov, Nové Dvory, and Žižkov. As Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib noted, “Trams are a symbol of our capital city and represent eco-friendly and comfortable public transport”.
The public might get their first chance to ride this new tram as early as this summer, pending approval from the Czech Railway Authority. This marks a significant milestone for Prague’s public transport, introducing the first new tram type to the city in nearly two decades.