The bustling city of Prague is experiencing a notable surge in registered vehicles, as revealed in the recently published annual report by the Technical Road Administration (TSK). The report discloses that the number of motor vehicles officially registered within the city has now surpassed a staggering 1.25 million, indicating an uptick of nearly 41,000 vehicles compared to the previous year.

Among these registered vehicles, personal cars dominate the urban landscape, accounting for over a million units. This surge in registered vehicles has unfolded over the past few years, with an increase of more than 208,000 since 2016. The most significant influx of new registrations was observed between 1990 and 2000, a period during which the number of cars doubled, exemplifying the city’s burgeoning automotive footprint.

However, as the city navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the traffic dynamics have undergone shifts. In 2020, traffic volume experienced an 8% reduction, but by 2021, it rebounded, nearly matching the levels recorded in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. While the intensity of traffic in the city center remained relatively consistent, a decline in the number of cars was noted in the outer zones.

The thorough report also highlighted the iconic Barrandov Bridge as the city’s busiest thoroughfare, accommodating almost 139,000 vehicles daily, despite undergoing partial closure for maintenance during the previous summer. The South Link connecting Chodovska and V Korytech claimed the second spot with 129,000 vehicles, closely followed by the South Link between 5. května and Vídeňská.

While private vehicles have seen an upsurge, Prague’s public transport system continues to play a pivotal role, serving over a billion passengers in 2021. Notably, these impressive numbers were influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent decline in tourist activities. Among the various modes of public transport, the metro garnered the highest popularity, trailed by trams and buses. Notably, buses covered the longest distance, spanning a total of 83.6 million kilometers.

The report draws attention to a concerning trend—the car occupancy rate within the city center has remained stagnant at 1.3 persons per vehicle since 2010, a significant drop from 1.71 in 1990 and 1.44 in 2000.

As the number of registered vehicles continues to rise, so do concerns over traffic congestion and environmental pollution. City authorities are now facing the pressing need to adopt comprehensive and sustainable mobility solutions, with a focus on encouraging the utilization of public transport, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. This report serves as a compelling call for action to strike a balance between urban mobility demands and the imperative of preserving the city’s livability and environmental well-being.

Article by Prague Forum