New Quality Guidelines Approved for Prague’s Metro System

Prague has revised the quality standard for its metro system. The new central guidelines set out requirements for the operation, appearance and equipment of trains and stations, and define criteria for their regular assessment. The updated version responds to technological progress, planned investments and the city’s long-term objective of further improving public space.

The previous guidelines dated back to 2016 and no longer met current requirements, particularly with regard to the rolling stock and the modernisation of stations. Prague is currently preparing for the procurement of new automatic trains as well as the further expansion of the unified wayfinding and information system “Čitelná Praha”.

“The updated standard sets clear guidelines for the future development of the Prague Metro. It is intended to be modern, safe and comfortable, and to meet the needs of passengers in the 21st century,” said Jaromír Beránek, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Transport.

Source: Visualization: Metro D | Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

Uniform rules for trains and stations

The new document harmonises structure, terminology and assessment methodology with other quality standards of the Prague Integrated Transport system (PID). It specifies technical and operational requirements and creates a common basis for renewals, refurbishments and the purchase of new rolling stock.

The revised guidelines define basic requirements for new metro trains. These include, among other things, fully automatic driverless operation, continuous gangways between carriages, a combination of longitudinal and transverse seating, padded artificial leather seats, and larger areas for prams, bicycles and wheelchairs. They also provide for deployable boarding aids at the doors, a fully electronic passenger information system, CCTV, automatic passenger counting with display of carriage occupancy levels, and a significantly reduced amount of advertising in the interior.

Clear requirements are also set out for the modernisation of older trains, enabling them to be brought closer to the new rolling stock in many respects.

Source: Visualization: Čitelná Praha | Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

Station modernisation and improved wayfinding

The decision will be followed by an update of the “Station Standard” annex, which focuses on information and passenger handling systems in metro stations. The new version takes into account the gradual implementation of the “Čitelná Praha” project, featuring a uniform design for information elements and improved orientation for passengers.

The revised quality standard was developed in cooperation with Prague Public Transport Company and will enter into force on 1 March 2026.