Prague is preparing for a major upgrade to its metro system, with fully automated trains set to debut on lines C and D.

The City Hall has approved a new standard for metro cars, introducing driverless operation, leather seating, and a unified station design. The modernization also aims to reduce excessive advertising and improve wayfinding across the network.

The update replaces outdated 2016 standards, which no longer reflected technological advances or contemporary approaches to public space. The new document ensures the smooth rollout of Line D and the replacement of trains on Line C, the city’s busiest metro line.

Key Features of the New Trains

All future trains will operate as fully connected units rather than separate cars, improving passenger flow and safety. The removal of the driver’s cab will allow fully autonomous operation.

Passengers will benefit from retractable platforms that bridge the gap between the train and the station, making boarding easier for people with strollers, wheelchairs, or luggage.

Seats will be arranged both across and along the train, using leather-like material that is easy to clean and hygienic. Additional space will be allocated for strollers, bicycles, and shopping carts. Electronic information systems will provide real-time updates, including automatic passenger counts and car occupancy data.

Modernizing Existing Trains

The new standards do not apply only to upcoming trains. Existing rolling stock will undergo modernization to meet stricter comfort and safety criteria, aiming to bring older cars as close as possible to the quality of new trains.

Trains will be categorized into three classes, with specific rules for each, ensuring a uniform experience throughout the network.

Station Upgrades

The modernization extends beyond trains to metro stations themselves. Wayfinding will be standardized across all lines, taking into account the needs of visually impaired passengers.

New acoustic beacons will improve guidance in corridors and on escalators. The updated standards will come into effect on March 1, 2026.

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