A modernized transport terminal has opened today in Příbram

Příbram - The new transport terminal, which opened today in Příbram, will improve travel conditions. It connects bus, train, and city transport. The station is barrier-free and equipped with a new information system. It features a municipal police office and an information center. Full operation of the terminal, including accompanying services, will begin on May 1, the mayor Josef Řihák told reporters today.
    However, the new station did not impress all travelers. "I don't like the concrete space in front of the station. There should have been greenery. It bothers me that the stairs, which are only covered with a grid, get wet from the rain and snow, making them slippery. Moreover, the whole area is open, so it will be difficult to prevent vandalism. After all, the staircase is already spray-painted," said a woman waiting for a bus to ČTK.
    Some travelers also complained about the shortcomings to the governor David Rath today. The governor told reporters that the project had been in preparation for a long time, and the aim was to complete it as soon as possible. "Today, we would probably reassess some things and push for greater efficiency and functionality," he added. While, according to him, people are asking for a project of reasonable size, architects prefer large built-up spaces and unusual solutions, such as the iron nets on the ceilings in the case of the Příbram station.
    Under current conditions, the project would also be significantly cheaper, according to the governor, because the region prioritizes smaller constructions when allocating subsidies. Bus stations are now being built for 20 to 30 million crowns, the governor added. The Příbram transport terminal cost 63 million crowns, of which 58 million crowns were covered by subsidies from the Regional Operational Program and the state, and the rest was paid by the city.
    "Not everything will please everyone. There are people for and against, some things could have been done differently," said mayor Josef Řihák. He reminded that the city has been striving for the modernization of the station for several years. They had once received European funds for it, but the beginning of work was delayed due to appeals from the competition participants. The city then canceled the competition and announced a new one. The winner submitted an offer of 76 million crowns. The difference between the offered price and the promised subsidy would leave the city without funds to pay, and thus the tender was canceled again, resulting in losing the subsidy. A new competition for construction suppliers was announced in the summer of 2008.
    The modernization of the station began in October 2008. It created ten covered departure stands for buses. In the lower part of the station, there are 66 parking spaces. There is a new operating office for carriers at the station, and a snack stand will also open there soon. The operation of the station is managed by the Technical Services of the City of Příbram.