Prague has a plan for the development of tram lines, about thirty will be added

Prague - In Prague, nearly thirty new tram lines could be created in the coming years. Today, Prague's representatives approved a concept from which this follows. The first lines could be constructed within five years, and the rest by 2030. A depot and two tram loops are also planned to be built. The development concept was prepared by the transport company (DPP). Some opposition representatives criticized the document.

"The main goal is to show how the entire network should develop, where we would like to be in 13 years, and which projects Prague is interested in. This is important for the city districts; they can close and plan revitalization of the area and plan further investments," said Deputy Mayor Petr Dolínek (ČSSD).

The concept has three parts. The first group includes projects that are in line with the zoning plan and are in an advanced stage of preparation. The expected start of work is within five years. In this part, DPP plans to construct three lines and two tram loops.

The second group includes projects that are part of the urban planning documentation, or are in the process of approval of the intention or the preparation of changes to the zoning plan. The aim is to enable these projects to be executed by 2030. The group labeled three contains prospective projects, the main goal of which is to resolve, for example, their inclusion in the zoning plan.

Some opposition representatives criticized the material. Councillor Ivan Hrůza (KSČM) said that the document is "an electoral maneuver from the realm of dreams." Although he welcomes it, he finds some facts missing. "The reasons why these and not those sections of the tram lines are proposed and tracked are not stated. I consider it a serious mistake that the expected transport performances are not included," he said.

Councillor Mikuláš Ferjenčík (Pirates) criticized the document for the fact that the completion of the line from Vinohradská to the main train station and further to Bolzanova Street is not in the first group but in the third. However, his proposal to move it to the first group was not approved by the representatives.

According to Dolínek, the material will change in the future based on the current situation. The mentioned line from Vinohradská could gradually move into the first group.

The length of the tram network in Prague is 142.4 kilometers, with about 52 percent of the lines running on their own tram body. The rest operate on the roads alongside cars. Trams transport over 360 million passengers each year.