In a bid to enhance Prague’s public transportation infrastructure, the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) introduced a new trolleybus line, designated as line 58, connecting Palmovka, Čakovice, and Miškovice. This initiative aimed to replace the previous bus route, line 140, with more environmentally friendly alternatives. However, the rollout has been marred by persistent issues with the newly acquired trolleybuses, necessitating the continued use of diesel buses to serve passengers.

The procurement of 15 trolleybuses through a tender process two years ago was intended to bolster Prague’s eco-friendly transit fleet. However, a majority of these vehicles have been plagued by deficiencies and operational shortcomings. Despite being delivered by the manufacturer at the end of last year, the vehicles failed to meet expected standards, prompting DPP to impose a contractual penalty of 56 million crowns and demand remedial action from the manufacturer.

According to Daniel Šabík, the head of DPP’s communication department, only a fraction of the acquired trolleybuses—seven to be precise—were deemed fit for service in early February. Even among these, issues persisted, limiting passenger accessibility and reliability. Consequently, the shortfall in operational trolleybuses necessitated the temporary deployment of aging diesel buses to maintain service continuity.

Jan Barchánek, the head of DPP’s Bus Unit, remains optimistic about resolving the ongoing challenges. He anticipates that the manufacturer will address the existing issues during the upcoming spring holidays, paving the way for the full deployment of the new trolleybuses starting February 19. The urgency to rectify these deficiencies is underscored by the aging articulated buses currently in service, which are nearing the maximum permissible age in Prague’s public transport system.

The setbacks encountered in the launch of Prague’s new trolleybus line underscore the complexities inherent in transitioning to greener transportation alternatives. The experience highlights the criticality of reliable manufacturing processes and timely delivery in ensuring a seamless transition while upholding public satisfaction and confidence in the transportation system. As efforts continue to mitigate these challenges, stakeholders remain committed to realizing the long-term environmental and sustainability goals of Prague’s public transit network.

Article by Prague Forum