As the Czech Republic prepares to overhaul its social support system, Prague is introducing a new discounted public transport scheme aimed at residents with the lowest incomes.

Starting in August, people receiving the subsistence component of the state’s new “super allowance” will be eligible for a 70 percent discount on monthly public transport passes, following approval by Prague city councillors on Monday.

The move revives a measure first introduced during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021, when Prague offered the same level of fare reduction to residents receiving emergency assistance. That programme remained in place until the end of September last year.

The newly introduced super allowance consolidates several existing welfare payments into a single benefit.

It replaces the housing allowance, housing supplement, subsistence allowance and child allowance. People who applied for the updated support system by the end of last year are expected to receive their first payments in August. Until then, beneficiaries will continue receiving support under the previous arrangements.

To qualify for the transport discount, applicants will need to present official proof that they receive this part of the super allowance. The confirmation can be obtained electronically and uploaded through the PID Lítačka online platform.

However, the document confirming eligibility remains valid for only 30 days. As a result, the reduced fare will apply exclusively to monthly travel passes, rather than longer-term coupons.

The decision comes at a time when Prague commuters have already faced higher transport costs.

Earlier this year, the city increased the price of single tickets across the Prague Integrated Transport network. Since January, a standard 30-minute ticket has risen from 30 crowns to 39 crowns. Passengers purchasing tickets through the PID Lítačka mobile application receive a small discount and currently pay 36 crowns for the same journey.

Penalties for fare evasion have also increased. Passengers caught travelling without a valid ticket now face an on-the-spot fine of 1,200 crowns. Those who settle the penalty within 15 days must pay 1,500 crowns. Previously, both fines stood at 1,000 crowns.

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