The proposal for a high-capacity cable car system connecting Prague 6 and Prague 8 has generated a mix of opinions, particularly regarding parking concerns. These apprehensions were voiced during a public hearing conducted to assess the environmental impacts (EIA) of the cable car project. Funded by the Prague Transportation Company, the project’s objective is to augment the existing public transportation network in Prague and establish an emission-free link between Prague 6 and Prague 8.

Jaroslav Bosák, the EIA documentation processor, elucidated the current traffic situation, stating, “I spent at least half an hour in the car, zigzagging from one bank to another.” The forthcoming cable car system, expected to be operational within two years, is poised to address this issue and offer a convenient alternative.

The proposed cable car system, designed with five towers ranging in height from 30 to 50 meters and three minimally invasive stations, was initially estimated to cost 1.5 billion Czech crowns. Notably, one of these stations would serve as a new entrance to the Prague Zoo.

Nonetheless, certain city districts and associations have raised objections to the project. Concerns have been voiced by Prague 6 and Prague-Troja, specifically regarding parking in the vicinity of the cable car stations. With no designated parking facility in the already congested area of Podbaba, there are fears that the cable car, if established as the primary route to the zoo, could place additional strain on access roads.

In response to these concerns, Prague 6 had previously decided to support the construction of a bridge across the Vltava River, along with extending the tram line across it to Bohnice. This stance had been adopted earlier by Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib.

Despite these objections, the Prague Transportation Company, as conveyed by Jan Šurovský, Head of Surface Transport, welcomes the feedback. He believes that the cable car system could alleviate traffic congestion in the city, emphasizing its environmental benefits by being emission-free. However, he acknowledged the complexity of the spatial situation in Podbaba, especially with regard to parking and transportation connections, which currently lacks a definitive solution.

Former Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr highlighted the advantages of the cable car system, including its relatively undemanding and considerate construction, minimal spatial requirements, and rapid connectivity between Prague 6 and Prague 8. He noted that this type of cable car system is yet to be seen in the Czech Republic but has been successfully implemented in other cities due to its low noise impact. Scheinherr also proposed the possibility of establishing parking garages in Prague 6 and Prague 8 and called for further discussions on the project.

Article by Prague Forum