Smells like civic spirit: Brno could hand out deodorant for better-smelling trams

Brno is considering a bold step to address one of the most pressing issues in public transport—body odor. A new project vying for funding in the city’s budget proposes an unusual solution to the sweaty summer blues in around seven months: deodorant for everyone and scented air-conditioning on trams and buses.

Dubbed the "Pleasant Rides" initiative, the project suggests handing out 20,000 free deodorants to public-transport passengers during the summer months. The idea, put forward by local activist Alena Drdlová, aims to improve the experience of commuters on Brno’s crowded public transport.

"It contributes to a better environment in public transport in Brno during the summer months by promoting the use of deodorants and spreading awareness about personal hygiene. Handing out deodorants for free actively supports the culture of care and contributes to the overall comfort and convenience of passengers," Drdlová described to Czech media outlet iDnes.cz the public benefit of her initiative.

The proposal, which has a hefty price tag of CZK 3.8 million, has surprisingly made it to the final round of voting despite many questioning its necessity. A leaflet campaign to raise awareness about deodorant use will also be funded, alongside the mass distribution of hygiene products to the sweaty masses.

"Handing out deodorants for free actively supports the culture of care and contributes to the overall comfort and convenience of passengers," Drdlová said.

The project has passed the feasibility test from the city's Transport Company, which acknowledges that complaints about smells are widespread and has deemed it technically possible—if slightly strange.

Additionally, a separate idea calls for adding additives (or flavored scents) to A/Cs—perhaps the first of their kind in the Czech Republic—to freshen the air.

People in Brno can cast a total of five positive and two negative votes for suggested proposals to make life in Brno more pleasant. For now, Brno residents can vote for—or against—this fragrant future, but one thing is certain: this deodorant-dispensing proposal will leave everyone with much to think (and smell) about.

Prague also has its share of public-transport odor woes. A pilot project brought air fresheners to Prague trams in 2011—but because of complaints that the fragrant scents irritated the allergies of some passengers, the project was quickly abandoned. 

A 2022 poll found that only about half of Prague residents confirmed that they took a daily shower during the summer months.