New Carriages for Prague’s Petřín Funicular: Test Operations Begin in May
Extensive test runs and technical inspections are scheduled before the reopening to passengers in September
Foto: Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy
After months of modernisation work, the Petřín Funicular in Prague is taking the next steps towards reopening. The new carriages have now been placed on the modernised track, before extensive test runs without passengers begin in May. Regular operations are scheduled to start in September 2026.
The new carriages for the Petřín Funicular have arrived in Prague. Following transport from Switzerland, they have now been placed on the modernised track. Extensive test runs and technical inspections are scheduled before the reopening to passengers in September.
Foto: Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy
The two new carriages of the Petřín Funicular were placed onto the reconstructed track on Wednesday morning with the help of a crane. The vehicles had already been delivered to Prague from the factory in Switzerland at the end of March. The carriages were placed onto the track in the area of the so-called Abt passing loop below the Nebozízek station, where they pass each other during operation.
The funicular has been out of service since September 2024. The reason was damage to the track following heavy rainfall. The actual reconstruction works began in March last year and have now largely been completed. Adjustments in the surrounding area of the track are currently still ongoing.
Video: CCEA MOBA | YouTube
Following the placement of the carriages, the installation of the technical systems as well as further adjustments and tests will take place. The several-month-long testing phase without passengers will then begin in May. During this phase, the carriages will be tested both without load and with simulated full weight. For the load tests, a total weight of 7.5 tonnes will be used to simulate a fully occupied journey. Brake tests as well as training runs for operating staff are also planned.
Foto: Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy
The new carriages were manufactured by the Austrian-Swiss corporate group Doppelmayr/Garaventa. The design was created by the Czech studio Anna Marešová designers. The costs amount to around 137.7 million Czech crowns, while production took approximately eleven months.
Foto: Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy
According to the public transport company, the test runs are expected to continue until the end of June. This will be followed by official approval procedures and safety inspections. According to the current schedule, regular trial operations with passengers are set to begin in September 2026.
