DPP: Prague’s public transit is a safe way to travel during the pandemic

Using Prague’s public transit is safe. That is the message of a new campaign by the Prague Public Transit Company (DPP).

The Safe in the City, Together in the City (Městem bezpečně, městem spolu) campaign points out what DPP says are unfounded fears of traveling by public transport during the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign’s main goal is to dispel these fears so passengers who used public transit before crisis will return.

The campaign, which runs to the end of January 2021, will have TV and radio spots, online banners, advertorials, and lit posters in public and at shopping centers. The cost of purchasing advertising space for the campaign is approximately CZK 6.5 million. The graphics and texts were prepared by West Media Communication.

Public transit is presented as reliable, safe and fast for trips around Prague. The campaign’s video spots and visuals show a parallel between the morning hygiene of an ordinary person with the preparation and thorough cleaning of public transport vehicles before they set off on their route.

With a new campaign, DPP wants to assure people there is no need to worry about coronavirus infections in metro cars, buses or trams. DPP cleans all Prague public transport vehicles in the depot or garage, in most cases twice daily. It regularly disinfects them and continuously ozonizes them. It cleans a total of 105 km of metal safety bars in buses, metro cars and trams, first with detergent and then with disinfectants.

A single journey in public transport in Prague takes the passenger an average of about 15 minutes, and for those who combine different means of transport about 30 minutes. DPP maintains that according to various studies, the exposure time is very short and the probability of COVID-19 infection in public transport is very low if the basic hygienic rules are observed.

“It is absolutely safe to ride with us. We take good care of vehicle interiors in terms of current hygiene requirements, just as everyone takes care of themselves,” he added.

The drop in passengers will likely result in a CZK 1.2 billion drop in revenue in 2020, according to DPP estimates. The price of an annual pass will likely increase to make up for the shortfall.