The expansion of Prague’s electrified public transport network in Prague continues apace. In addition to new tram lines, the city is increasingly turning to trolleybuses. Prague’s public transport operator has now begun electrification works on bus routes 131 and 176.
Following the handover of the construction sites to contractors yesterday, Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) has commenced work on the infrastructure needed to electrify bus routes 131 (Bořislavka – Hradčanská) and 176 (Karlovo náměstí – Stadion Strahov). The estimated construction costs for route 131 are just under CZK 265 million, while those for route 176 are approximately CZK 352 million.
In both cases, the work is expected to continue until the end of June 2026. Once completed and operational, bus route 131 will become trolleybus route 51, and route 176 will be designated as trolleybus route 53.
Route 131 is particularly demanding and primarily serves residential areas in Prague 6, including Hanspaulka, Dejvice and Bubeneč. Part of the route follows the historical path of Prague’s first trolleybus line, which began operating at the end of August 1936. The Bořislavka and Hanspaulka neighbourhoods therefore maintain a strong connection to the history of trolleybuses, which once played a significant role in shaping the public space there.
Route 176 from Karlovo náměstí to Strahov Stadium runs continuously uphill from Smíchov to Strahov. It also has a historical link to trolleybus operations: originally designated as route 53, trolleybuses ran along this route from 1948. In 1967, it was merged with route 54 to form route 51 — the last trolleybus line to operate in Prague until services ended in mid-October 1972.
