Prague to Expand Light Rail Network, Boosting Urban Mobility

Prague is set to significantly enhance its public transport network by 2028, with the introduction of six new light rail lines designed to improve daily mobility for over 150,000 passengers. This expansion, representing the most substantial investment in public rail transport in a decade, will connect five key districts and alleviate capacity issues on existing routes, transforming urban mobility.

Strategic Impact

The ambitious expansion plan for Prague’s light rail network is poised to redefine urban connectivity, promising to enhance the daily lives of more than 150,000 residents by 2028. Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda highlighted that this initiative is a direct response to escalating demand for efficient transportation and increased capacity. “The capital’s tram network continues to develop, so Prague will have six light rail lines that will better connect the districts and offer faster and more comfortable travel. Investments in rail transport are, in fact, investments in the quality of life and sustainability of the city,” Svoboda stated.

This extensive program, officially part of the “New tram lines for 150,000 passengers every day” initiative within the “Strategy for the development of PID lines in Prague for the period 2022-2032,” aims to bridge connectivity gaps and relieve overburdened routes within Prague’s already dense and popular tram system. The introduction of these new lines represents a crucial step in Prague’s long-term vision to create a comprehensive tram network, enabling seamless travel between neighborhoods without necessitating passage through the city center.

Operational Details and Phased Rollout

The phased rollout begins in March 2026 with the opening of the Dvorecký Bridge, which will host two new tram lines (20 and 21) alongside bus routes. This development will provide direct connections for residents of Modřany to Malá Strana and Dejvice, and offer more efficient links for Barrandov residents via Podolí to I. P. Pavlova. Subsequently, 2027 will see the launch of three more major expansions. These include the Jarov line (Olšanská – Habrová), crucial for a new neighborhood development; the Wenceslas Square line, restoring tram service to its upper section and the National Museum area with direct links to Masaryk Station; and the Strahov line (Malovanka – Strahov), connecting the historically significant Strahov area with the city center and Hradčanská metro station.

The final phase in spring 2028 will complete the program with the Malešice line, bringing direct tram routes to Náměstí Míru, Karlovo náměstí, and the Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží) for the first time to this district—a plan originally conceived 60 years ago. Concurrently, the Nové Dvory line will open, extending line 17 and connecting Libuš to Nové Dvory, aligning with a broader urban transformation project that anticipates future integration with Metro Line D.

New Lines Operated by Advanced Trams

All six new light rail lines will be serviced by the state-of-the-art ForCity Plus 52T trams, manufactured by the Škoda Group. A framework agreement signed in December 2023 between the Prague public transport authority (PID) and Škoda Group includes provisions for up to 200 trams, with an initial order of 40 already placed, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. These new vehicles are engineered to offer enhanced comfort, improved reliability, and greater passenger capacity, serving as a compelling alternative to private vehicle use and supporting Prague’s sustainability objectives.

Industry Context

This extensive infrastructure development in Prague underscores a global trend towards revitalizing and expanding urban rail networks as a cornerstone of sustainable urban planning and mobility. The significant investment and the strategic integration of new lines with existing and future transit projects, such as Metro Line D and the comprehensive railway hub modernization (estimated at EUR 7.65 billion), signal a strong commitment to modal shift and reducing carbon emissions. For industry stakeholders, Prague’s initiative serves as a compelling case study for city-led transit innovation, highlighting the potential for rail expansion to drive economic development, enhance quality of life, and achieve ambitious environmental goals. The collaboration with established manufacturers like Škoda Group also demonstrates the critical role of public-private partnerships in delivering large-scale, transformative urban infrastructure projects.