Celebrate 50 years of Prague's metro with a ride on a vintage 1974 train

This year marks a significant milestone for Prague's metro as it turns 50 years old, and what better way to celebrate than by taking a nostalgic journey on a vintage 1974 train? Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) is commemorating the historic occasion by offering rides on Line C aboard the original launch train and other historic vehicles on May 8.

DPP has organized various events across recent months commemorating 50 years of Prague's metro, but the celebrations will culminate on Wednesday, May 8, with rides on historic trains throughout Line C. Passengers will be able experience the charm of yesteryear as they embark on a journey aboard these iconic metro sets.

The historic trains can be ridden for the cost of normal public transport ticket or pass. Capacity on the original launch train may be limited, as it is shorter than contemporary vehicles, but usual metro traffic may be light. May 8 is a public holiday in the Czech Republic, Liberation Day, marking the end of WWII in the country.

The festivities begin at 9:19 a.m. as the historic three-car Ečs from 1974, the very first to grace Prague's metro system, will take off from Kačerov to Florenc. Following shortly after at 9:25 a.m. will be a historic five-car 81–71 vehicle, affectionately known as the 'black mushroom' (černá huba), which will run from Kačerov to Nádraží Holešovice.

At 9:30 a.m., a reconstructed 81–71M will depart from Kačerov to Ládví, giving passengers a glimpse into the metro's evolving history. Finally, a prototype M1 vehicle will depart at 9:35 a.m., travelling from Kačerov to Letňany.

These four historic vehicles will ride on Prague's Metro Line C throughout the day on May 8, with passengers able to ride them until around 4:00 p.m. A full schedule of times and stations can be found at the DPP website. This unique opportunity allows passengers to relive the past while celebrating the technological advancements and progress made over the past five decades.

Prague's metro was officially inaugurated on May 9, 1974, with the launch of its first line, running from Kačerov to Sokolovská (now Florenc), featuring nine stations. Since then, the metro has become an integral part of Prague's transportation network, revolutionizing urban mobility and shaping the city's landscape.

This original line has now been expanded to run from Letňany to Háje and is now the city's red Line C, accompanied by additional green (A) and yellow (B) lines. A future blue Line D is currently being constructed and expected to be ready by 2030.

In addition to the special metro rides on May 8, accompanying events celebrating 50 years of Prague's metro include a commemorative tram designed after the original Ečs vehicle, which is now running on the city's streets, and a travelling exhibition showcasing the history of metro service in Prague.