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Prague's public transportation system is set to welcome a new addition with the arrival of the Škoda 52T tram, marking a significant step in modernizing the city's fleet. On Thursday evening, the first of these trams was transported from the Škoda factory in Pilsen to the workshops of the Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) in Hostivař.
The vehicle will now undergo technical testing before it is officially rolled out for passenger service later this year. The new trams are set to be an important part of Prague's growing infrastructure, with new routes and upgraded systems in the pipeline to accommodate the increasing demand for efficient public transport.
The Škoda 52T tram is the first in a series of 40 new trams, following a contract signed in December 2023 between Škoda Group and DPP. The deal, valued at CZK 16.6 billion, includes an option for up to 200 vehicles, with the first 20 expected this year and another 20 by the end of 2026.
A new standard in tram design
The Škoda 52T is a modern, low-floor, five-section tram designed specifically for the demands of Prague’s unique transport network. The tram boasts a range of advanced features, including a fully climate-controlled interior, an updated information system, and a collision-avoidance system.
The system uses sensors to detect obstacles in the tram's path and automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to respond to warnings in a timely manner. The tram also features wider passages between sections, improving passenger flow, and is designed to navigate Prague’s narrow and winding tram tracks, ensuring a smooth ride across the city.
Measuring 32 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width, the Škoda 52T can accommodate up to 243 passengers, with 173 standing spaces. This is a notable increase in capacity compared to previous models, including the 15T trams currently in service.
The design of the new trams is tailored to Prague's specific needs, making it easier for the vehicles to pass through tight curves and narrow sections of track. With a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour, the new trams will also contribute to faster and more efficient travel across the city.
Preparing for trial runs
Before being put into service, the Škoda 52T will undergo a series of rigorous technical trials. DPP has announced that the tram will be tested without passengers to ensure that it meets all operational and safety standards.
The company will work closely with Škoda Group, which will assist in conducting these tests in preparation for the tram's formal approval by the Czech Railway Authority. The testing process is crucial as it ensures the vehicle's readiness for regular use, including technical performance, safety features, and overall functionality.
Once the necessary certifications are granted, DPP will inform the public, and the new trams will begin their trial runs on the streets of Prague, with the first passengers expected to board later this year.
The arrival of the Škoda 52T marks the first major tram purchase in nearly two decades. While DPP currently operates over 800 trams across 147 kilometers of track, the fleet has aged, and the city has been in need of modern vehicles to keep up with expanding routes and increasing ridership.
“Trams are symbols of our capital city, and they represent eco-friendly, convenient public transport,” said Zdeněk Hřib, Prague's deputy mayor for transport, emphasizing the importance of the new trams as symbols of the city’s commitment to efficient public transportation.
