More Expensive Lítačka or Free Public Transport? What Politicians Are Saying

Ondřej Kolář (TOP 09), the former mayor of Prague 6, has recently proposed raising the price of Lítačka to CZK 10,000.

Kolář argues that this would lead to a more pleasant experience for passengers, preventing situations where drivers “slam the door in the face of an elderly lady trying to catch the tram or bus.”

His coalition partners are also considering a fare increase, though the exact amount remains undecided.

However, Zdeněk Hřib, the Deputy Mayor for Transport from the Pirate Party, advocates keeping the current fare, which is among the lowest in Europe.

Hřib highlights both the environmental benefits of encouraging people to leave their cars at home and the social importance of affordable public transport, catering even to those with tight budgets.

The Prague Transport Company reports that only about 15% of the cost of operating the city’s public transport system is covered by ticket sales, with the remaining 20 billion CZK subsidized by the city.

The necessity of a functional public transport system is evident; just last week, when the Strahov Tunnel caught fire, the resulting gridlock demonstrated how easily the city’s traffic could grind to a halt without it.

The Pirates’ reluctance to increase fares is commendable, but should Prague take a bolder step?

Cities like Tallinn in Estonia, about 40 municipalities in France, and the entire country of Luxembourg have made public transport free.

In the Czech Republic, cities such as Frýdek-Místek, Hořovice, Benešov, Lovosice, Strakonice, and Litoměřice have also embraced this model. These places have seen a dramatic rise in public transport usage and a significant drop in the number of cars on the road.

The result? Cleaner air and more money left in people’s pockets.

However, not everyone agrees. Critics label free public transport as a populist move.

Prague 6 Transport Councillor Ondřej Matěj Hrubeš (ODS) even suggests that free transport would transform the system into “a shabby service overwhelmed by undesirables.”

What do you think?

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