Prague Modernises Public Transport: New Škoda Trams and Trolleybuses in Operation

Prague is focusing on modern, environmentally friendly mobility: new Škoda trams and trolleybuses are rolling through the streets of the capital thanks to EU funds from the National Recovery Plan.

The Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) continues to invest in modern and sustainable urban mobility. The first twenty Škoda 52T trams, which DPP took delivery of last year, have already covered over 300,000 kilometres in regular service and carried more than three million passengers. A further twenty large, three-section Škoda–Solaris 24M trolleybuses on line 59 to Václav Havel Airport have travelled a total of 1.5 million kilometres and transported over 5.5 million people.

The purchase of the vehicles was supported by EU funds from the National Recovery Plan amounting to 1.7 billion koruna. Additionally, a further 1.2 billion koruna from the National Recovery Plan is being invested in the expansion of infrastructure for five new trolleybus lines. At the end of 2025, DPP also received approval for further EU funds from the TRANSGov Modernisation Fund, totalling 3.743 billion koruna, which are intended to be invested in new trams, battery trolleybuses, and electric buses. This allowed DPP to order 31 additional Škoda 52T trams, which are scheduled for delivery from 2027.

Foto: Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

“Prague is committed to a strong and modern public transport infrastructure in the long term. European funds help us to renew the fleet more quickly, procure new trams, and simultaneously expand the infrastructure for new trolleybus lines. The result is a more comfortable and reliable service, while also reducing emissions and operating costs,” explains Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of Prague.

Modern vehicles for more comfort and safety

The new trams are fully air-conditioned, accessible, and low-floor. With quiet operation, wide gangways, anti-collision systems, and more seating, they are receiving positive feedback from passengers. Another twenty vehicles will be delivered later this year. Overall, DPP plans to operate 71 Škoda 52T trams, with the option for up to 129 additional vehicles under the framework agreement concluded in 2023.

Progress is also being made in the field of battery trolleybuses and electric buses: the first 18 electric buses are already in operation, and 30 ordered battery trolleybuses are expected to be introduced in the first half of 2026.

Foto: Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

Trolleybuses save diesel and CO₂

The large, three-section battery trolleybuses Škoda–Solaris 24M have been operating on line 59 between Nádraží Veleslavín and Václav Havel Airport since March 2024. Last year, they covered almost 1.5 million kilometres, carried over 5.5 million passengers, and saved 742,000 litres of diesel and 1,990 tonnes of CO₂.

The purchase of these trolleybuses was also supported by EU funds from the National Recovery Plan. Further funding is being used to expand the trolleybus infrastructure, including on lines 51, 52, and 53, which is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026.