PID Lítačka Prague city transport cards, which were first issued in 2016, are set to expire this year. However, the company ICT Operator and Prague City Hall decided to automatically extend the card validity by three years. Therefore, passengers whose cards were due to expire this year will be capable of travelling with Lítačka around Prague and Prague Central Bohemia until 2027. Depending on passengers’ preferred contact method, informative emails and text messages will be sent to passengers affected by the card’s original expiry date. Detailed information about card renewals will be available on the website www.pid.litacka.cz, as well as on Lítačka social networks, and at Lítačka ticket machines. Currently, the PID system boasts 470,000 active Litáčka, accommodating 610,000 different long-term passes. Additionally, there’s good news for commuters concerned about fare hikes. At least for the initial months of 2024, public transport fares will remain unchanged. The future beyond that remains uncertain, but Prague transport operators have hinted at the possibility of an eventual increase in the price of long-term passes.
Free parking for electric cars and the use of portable parking permits in Prague’s free parking zones will cease starting December 31, 2024. This adjustment is part of the planned revamp of the city’s parking system. Regular parking permits for residents and businesses will, however, remain unaffected at this time. Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib explained, “The electric car occupies the same space as a car with an internal combustion engine, and considering their expected increase, providing one-sided preferential treatment with free parking is not sustainable in the long term.” Despite this change, the city remains committed to supporting electromobility. Investments in charging infrastructure will continue, aiming to enhance electric car accessibility, partially funded by European subsidies. As part of the new paid zone reform, electric cars are expected to receive discounted rates for certain city-wide parking permits. The current discount for electric car parking, initially introduced in 2016 as a temporary measure, aligns with Prague Council’s strategy document approved on October 5, 2020. The document outlines support for alternative driving in Prague until 2030, setting 2023 as the latest date for discontinuing the current preferential treatment of electric cars. Over the past three years, the city has invested...
Prague police made a major breakthrough last week, arresting two individuals involved in the illicit cocaine trade. The duo, responsible for distributing several kilograms of the drug annually, was taken into custody following a raid that uncovered a staggering 12.5 kilograms of cocaine and CZK 14 million. This marks the largest drug bust in Prague in recent years. Jakub Frydrych, Director of the National Anti-Drug Center, highlighted the increased popularity of cocaine in the Czech Republic due to its growing availability. Frydrych estimated the street value of the seized cocaine at around CZL 6 million. Explaining the dynamics of the illicit trade, he stated, “A good price among wholesalers is approximately CZK 492,000.” He pointed out that cocaine enters the Czech Republic through various routes, with increasing involvement of European laboratories in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and the Baltics. The director emphasized the challenges posed by container transport, which constitutes approximately 75 percent of the trade volume in the European Union. “With more cocaine reaching Europe, its average price is decreasing, and quality is increasing—a litmus test of prosperity,” Frydrych continued. He expressed concern about the rising popularity of cocaine in the Czech Republic compared to other stimulants in...
The Zličín station’s role as the terminus of the yellow metro line is set to change. The Prague Transport Company is unveiling plans to extend the line with a new station, named Depo Zličín, situated within the existing metro depot where trains are currently stationed for parking and maintenance. This outdoor station will be accompanied by a car park capable of accommodating 600 cars, developed simultaneously with the station. To facilitate this expansion, the depot will undergo enlargement, including the construction of two additional halls. The construction project is scheduled to start in 2026, with an estimated cost of 1.4 billion crowns allocated from the city budget. In a recent announcement, the Prague City Hall revealed the winner of an international architectural competition for the station’s design: the project proposed by the Czech studio PETR STOLÍN ARCHITEKT.
The Prague Film Awards returns for its 5th edition at the Kino Aero on 26&27 January 2024. Over two days, the annual film festival will screen 24 innovative and thought-provoking short and feature films by Czech and international filmmakers showcasing the power of independent cinema. Following last year’s success, the PFA aims to serve once again as a meeting space for film lovers, filmmakers, students and industry experts. A place where people of various backgrounds but with the same love for cinema can interact, spark conversations and explore the latest indie shorts from around the world. Each day features two short film programmes and one feature-length film. Through 4 different themes and 24 indie films from 11 countries, this year’s edition delves into social issues, personal dilemmas, existential questions and philosophical notions. Documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation films comprise the PFA24 captivating programme. Some of them have premiered in world-class international film festivals while others are just making their way to the festival scene. The first day of the festival opens with Yu-Lin Chung’s feature drama-fantasy film “The Mimicry” which takes the audience into people’s apartments, observing human behaviour through the residents’ stories. Programme 2 “Amuse-bouche” introduces us to the...
The official start of the Masaryk railway station’s reconstruction in Prague took place today. The project includes the installation of an elevated platform above the tracks, improved connections with Florenc, and an expansion from the current seven tracks to a total of nine. Additionally, a new vestibule and rest area will be introduced. The completion date for this extensive redevelopment is 2027, with a total cost estimated at CZK 3.39 billion. Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS), Director General of the Railway Administration (SŽ) Jiří Svoboda, and various representatives from the capital, construction firms, and Penta, the owner of surrounding buildings, inaugurated the renovation today. The companies STRABAG Rail and STRABAG are the appointed contractors for the project. Notably, SŽ secured nearly 84% of the funding required for the station’s reconstruction from European funds. Masaryk railway station, the oldest in the capital, serves up to 30,000 passengers daily. Following the completion of the Prague to Kladno and Václav Havel Airport in Ruzyně line reconstruction, the station will become the launching point for the railway to the airport. Older than 150 years Masaryk Station, the oldest railway station in Prague, has a rich history. The first train arrived there on August 20,...
Some like it Czech project invites you to dive into a haunting yet compelling chapter of Czech heritage with the movie The Last Race. The gripping movie reconstructs the tragic events of the first-ever Czech-German cross-country contest and doesn’t leave out circumstances that have been unknown to the Czech public until recently. Watch this piece with English subtitles at Cinema Aero on January 16th and join the after-movie Q&A with its director Tomáš Hodan. Buy your tickets here. The Last Race (watch the trailer) tells the story of Hanč and Vrbata, Czech skiing pioneers whose tragic fate is still taught in schools today. It was the year 1913 when Hanč and his friend Vrbata died during a skiing race that was supposed to be the first Czech-German cross-country contest ever. The unfortunate events happened in the Czech Giant Mountains, also known as Krkonoše, just before the outbreak of World War I., when the relationship between Germans and Czechs was strained due to a long history of ethnic, cultural, and political differences. Back then, The Czech lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but Czechs were increasingly embracing their own national identity. The late phase of the so-called Czech National Revival...
OnTaxi, a well-established Ukrainian online taxi service, has officially launched its operations in Prague. This innovative platform allows passengers to book rides through its mobile app or website and extends collaboration opportunities to interested drivers. Denis Pokalitsyn, the head of the company’s international division, highlighted the growing interest in Ukrainian IT products across European countries. Key Advantages of OnTaxi Include: Competitive pricing in Prague, with a 50% discount on the first two orders and a consistent 5% cashback for orders on the premium tariff. Support in Ukrainian and Russian languages for a seamless user experience. A fleet comprising only vehicles that are not older than two years. Favorable conditions for drivers looking to collaborate with the platform. For Prague residents and visitors, the OnTaxi mobile app is easily accessible through the following platforms: Google Play AppStore OnTaxi started its operations in Kharkiv in 2016 and has since expanded its services to 28 cities in Ukraine under a direct model and 32 additional cities under a franchise model. The company has also successfully ventured into EU countries and Azerbaijan, currently boasting a network of over 300,000 cooperative drivers.
Wholesale hypermarket chain Makro is gearing up to extend its Bonveno small retail shop concept throughout the entire Czech Republic by the end of 2024. The plan includes establishing at least one Bonveno shop in every region. Presently, Bonveno operates exclusively in Prague, boasting four shops. The inaugural store opened last summer near the Anděl metro station, with expectations of about 20 additional shops opening nationwide this year. The Bonveno concept draws inspiration from the renowned Vietnamese “večerki,” offering a diverse array of products, spanning from groceries to household chemicals and cosmetics, all within a compact space. “Our shops distinguish themselves not only in design but primarily in their product offerings. Alongside fresh baked goods, fruits, vegetables, ready-made meals, delicatessens, and household chemicals, our range includes hot dogs, fresh baguettes, sandwiches, and coffee. Initial feedback from our customers indicates a positive response, with many becoming regular patrons. They appreciate starting their day with a good breakfast on their way to work and restocking their fridges with us in the afternoon and evening,” shared Karel Barek, Director of Bonveno.
Recall the latest Prague’s “Eyes Wide Shut”-inspired erotic event? Its debut was a sensation, selling out with over 400 attendees. Given its success and tantalizing allure, the organizers are preparing for another round. The innovative concept of immersive theater, featuring erotic fantasies, techniques and seduction, sparked significant interest. Co-founders have ambitious plans for the future introducing unique concepts in Prague and have a gradual expansion strategy for various European and American states. The main two formats are the indulgent Soirée and the more accessible On The Edge for a broader audience. But don’t be fooled, you still have to compete for your spot among the guests. What is next? 25/1 Soireé with Marie Sauvage Something nasty yet classy is coming 25/1/2024. The unique location will once again astonish all attendees—this time it will be the most beautiful hotel in the heart of Prague. The success of the first event in 2023 has motivated the organizers’ commitment to push boundaries even further. Renowned rigger Marie Sauvage will fly from Paris to Prague to perform, and together with other 20+ performers, they will captivate the guests in a completely new, more decadent and intimate concept. Throughout the evening, expect several surprises and...
Running as an activity, says Carlo Capalbo, will never die. As a sport, however, he believes it is facing big challenges. That’s what keeps him up at night. The passionate Neapolitan has long found himself under running’s spell and is now a key figure in the world of road racing. He is the founder and head of RunCzech, a Prague-based organization which organizes and stages a range of major international running events but also, under Capalbo’s motto of “All Runners are Beautiful”, aims to connect and grow running communities. It’s that key element of connection where he believes the real issue lies. His chief concern is that there is nothing of substance tying the recreational participant in the pack to the elite athlete on the front line. “In the long term, if we fail to bring the front of the race closer to the back of the race, we risk losing the masses,” he says. “We lose the spectators, but as a consequence we also lose the fans who then want to take part in the races. If we fail to bring champions closer to amateur runners and communities, we risk the interest in endurance sport disappearing.” Capalbo is less...
Jan Palach Square in Prague could go under a possible transformation. Architects Králíček and Makarov are proposing modernization with an emphasis on history and the memory of the victims. The main feature will be a 30-meter-high pylon and a memorial site. The new space will connect the past with the future architecture. A Challenge Beneath The challenge faced in implementing square modifications stems from underground garages beneath the square, a result of the successful Rudolfinum reconstruction in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Negotiations with private owners are underway to reclaim the square’s central space. Greenery and Traffic Design The square’s traffic design envisions reducing car traffic density on Křižovnická Street by implementing charges on passage through Smetana Embankment. This move aims to enhance spatial comfort for pedestrians and promote mass rail and bus transport at the Old Town tram stops. A Universally Usable Space Architects envision Jan Palach Square as a universally usable paved area featuring the central pylon for the national flag, a water feature, and a new monument to Antonín Dvořák in front of the Rudolfinum’s entrance facade. This transformation would replace a 1950s unrealized monument, currently standing in front of the Rudolfinum since the 1990s. ...
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