After a 20-year wait, Prague’s public transport system has welcomed a fresh generation of trams to its network. On Monday, November 3rd, seven brand-new Škoda ForCity Plus 52T trams entered regular service on line 12, marking a significant milestone for the Czech capital’s urban mobility.
The journey to this launch has been methodical and thorough. According to Jan Šurovský, technical director of Prague’s transport company (DPP), the testing phase ran from April through September, beginning with passenger-free trials and progressing to test runs with riders over the summer months.This careful approach allowed the 52T model to receive official type approval and the first seven vehicles to obtain their operational certificates.
These latest additions represent the newest model from Škoda Group’s production line and introduce an entirely new vehicle type to Prague’s streets. The five-section, low-floor trams promise enhanced comfort for both passengers and drivers.All vehicles are currently stationed at the Hloubětín depot, from where they’ll service not only line 12 but eventually line 8 as well.
The rollout schedule is ambitious yet achievable. DPP expects all 20 trams from the initial order to enter service by year’s end, with the complete first series set for delivery in early December.An additional 20 vehicles are slated to arrive in Prague next year.The procurement, valued at 1.19 billion Czech crowns before VAT, benefits from European Union co-financing through the National Recovery Plan.
Beyond modernizing Prague’s aging fleet, these new trams address a growing capacity challenge. The city’s expanding tramway network, including the planned route over Dvorecký Bridge set to open next year, demands additional vehicles to maintain service quality.For residents eager to experience the new trams firsthand, the PID Lítačka app now offers real-time tracking, allowing users to locate these vehicles on the network map.