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Prague Metro

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The Prague Metro is a high-capacity rapid transit network located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Metro Prague logo
Metro Prague logo

It serves as a vital artery for the city's movement. The system is a core component of the Prague Integrated Transport (PID) system.

Prague integrated transport logo
Prague integrated transport logo

This integrated network also manages trams, buses, five ferries, a funicular, and a zoo chairlift. Since 1993, the metro has been connected to commuter trains and "park-and-ride" lots. This connectivity allows the transport network to reach far beyond the city limits. While the PID system uses zonal pricing, the metro operates entirely within the central zone.

The network is organized into a radial layout.

Prague metro plan 2015
Prague metro plan 2015

Each line runs from the city outskirts through the center. The lines do not meet at a single central hub. Instead, they form a triangle in the city center. The vertices of this triangle are the interchange stations: Florenc, Můstek, and Muzeum. These stations allow passengers to transfer between different lines. Most stations utilize an island platform. This is a single platform located in the center of the station hall. It serves trains traveling in both directions.

The current system consists of three active lines and one line under construction.

Prague metro extension
Prague metro extension

Line A is green and contains 17 stations. Line B is yellow and contains 24 stations. Line C is red and contains 20 stations. Together, these lines connect 58 unique stations via nearly 66 kilometers of railway. Line D is a new blue line currently under construction. It is scheduled to open in 2031. Once complete, Line D will add 10 stations between Náměstí Míru and Depo Písnice.

Construction methods for the stations vary based on their depth.

Many city center tracks were created using a tunnelling shield. Other outer sections were built using the cut-and-cover method. These cut-and-cover stations sit only a few meters below the surface. The depth of the system changes significantly across the city. Náměstí Míru is the deepest station in the network. Some stations feature large tunnels with track tunnels on either side. Others have straight ceilings supported by columns. Many stations are also decorated with colorful aluminum panels.

The history of the metro began with early proposals.

Ladislav Rott podzemni draha 1898
Ladislav Rott podzemni draha 1898

In 1898, Ladislav Rott proposed a sub-surface railway. He suggested digging tunnels while the city dug sewers. This plan was denied by authorities. In 1926, Bohumil Belada and Vladimír List used the term "Metro" for the first time. After World War II, the project was conceptually transformed. The government decided to build a true metro rather than an underground tramway. The first section of Line C opened on May 9, 1974. This marked the start of regular service.

Two distinct types of rolling stock operate on the tracks.

Metro M1 in Prague
Metro M1 in Prague

The Metro M1 trains were developed specifically for Prague. They have operated on Line C since 2000. These trains were manufactured by a consortium including ČKD Praha, ADtranz, and Siemens. A single M1 train has a total capacity of 1,464 people. This includes 224 sitting passengers and 1,240 standing passengers. The second type is the 81-71M.

Metro Praha
Metro Praha

These are modernized versions of the original Soviet 81-717 trains. They use new motors and interiors. These trains have served Lines A and B since 1996.

The system is a massive operation with significant passenger volume. In 2021, the metro served 568 million passengers. This averages to about 1.55 million passengers every day. The service is highly frequent during busy periods. During rush hours, trains arrive every two to three minutes. At other times, intervals range from four to ten minutes. The entire system is controlled automatically from a central dispatching center. This center is located near the I.P. Pavlova station. This automation helps maintain the complex schedule of the city's transit.

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🖼️ Images & Media (23)
File:Metro Prague logo.svg
Metro Prague logo.svg
File:Prague integrated transport logo.svg
Prague integrated transport logo.svg
File:Prague_metro_plan_2015.svg
Prague_metro_plan_2015.svg
File:Praha, Muzeum, pohled zhora.JPG
Praha, Muzeum, pohled zhora.JPG
File:Nemocnice Motol metro 2.JPG
Nemocnice Motol metro 2.JPG
File:Metro Praha, 2004.JPG
Metro Praha, 2004.JPG
File:Metro Praha.jpg
Metro Praha.jpg
File:Metro M1 in Prague.jpg
Metro M1 in Prague.jpg
File:13-12-31-metro-praha-by-RalfR-039.jpg
13-12-31-metro-praha-by-RalfR-039.jpg
File:Ladislav Rott podzemni draha 1898.jpg
Ladislav Rott podzemni draha 1898.jpg
File:13-12-31-metro-praha-by-RalfR-122.jpg
13-12-31-metro-praha-by-RalfR-122.jpg
File:Praha - Metro - Vyšehrad (7504036786).jpg
Praha - Metro - Vyšehrad (7504036786).jpg

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