Starting July 1, the Prague City Hall will shorten the activation time for tickets purchased through the PID Lítačka app from two minutes to just one.

This change addresses frequent complaints from people who get fined by public transport inspectors while waiting for their tickets to be validated. Additionally, the city has extended fare discounts for people in material need until the end of June next year.

“The long activation period was inconvenient, especially when someone was in a hurry. One minute will allow you to buy a ticket before the vehicle arrives and still provide sufficient protection against abuse,” explained Zdeněk Hřib, Deputy Mayor for Transport.

The previous two-minute limit was primarily a protective measure to prevent abuse of the payment system in public transport and trains just before inspections. However, a one-minute activation period is more common in other Czech cities, such as Ostrava, noted Prague City Hall spokesman Vít Hofman.

This shortened activation period applies not only to the PID Lítačka app but also to the partner app DoKapsy from ČSOB. The activation period for tickets purchased via SMS remains unchanged, typically between one and two minutes, due to different technological requirements.

“There is no change for suburban and regional buses, where passengers must board through the front door and show the driver a travel document. Here, passengers can board with an activated ticket that is not yet valid,” added Hofman.

Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda welcomed the new measures, describing them as beneficial. He said the change will “make it easier for honest passengers who are in a hurry.”

He also noted that the discount on subscription coupons will help people in need.

This discount allows people receiving a living allowance to buy monthly coupons for CZK 165 or three-month coupons for CZK 444. Eligibility must be proven with a relevant certificate from the Labour Office.

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