Czechia's Central Bohemian Region to test on-demand public transport

The Czech Republic's Central Bohemian Region is embarking on an innovative approach to public transportation this summer with the introduction of on-demand minibuses integrated with elements of artificial intelligence.

The new initiative, which will be operated by Prague Integrated Transport, aims to enhance public transit offerings, particularly during off-peak hours, in areas where traditional fixed-route bus services may not be as effective.

A pilot project will begin near Český Brod this summer, leveraging the area's high-quality railway connection to Prague while addressing the lack of connecting bus services during evening hours. Two minibuses will be used during the pilot phase, offering passengers the ability to order rides to nearby locations via the PID Lítačka mobile application or a dedicated telephone line.

"Many people today use a car because, for example, they have no way to get home late in the evening," Petr Borecký, the councilor for public transport in the Central Bohemian Region, says through a press release.

"In the best case, they drive to the nearest railway station and then go to Prague by train. Thanks to on-demand transportation, we will be able to provide transport home even at off-peak times, so a car will not be a necessity, but a choice."

The concept of on-demand transport, which does not adhere to fixed schedules or routes, enables dynamic route creation tailored to passenger demand, a system that has been successfully implemented across Europe.

The pilot project is powered by AI that optimizes route planning and allocation of resources, offering efficient transport solutions with smaller vehicles and simplified driver requirements. By utilizing AI-driven algorithms, routes are dynamically generated in real-time to maximize passenger satisfaction while minimizing operational costs.

The project's success could potentially serve as a model for other regions and cities, offering a blend of convenience, efficiency, and sustainability in public transit. The type of minibuses used also mean that drivers will not need to obtain a special license.

"On-demand transport can be efficiently implemented with smaller vehicles, which enables the use of drivers with driving license B, instead of D, of which there is a long-term shortage in the labor market," says Borecký. "Intelligent planning also brings the possibility of more efficient spending of funds intended for public mass transport."

With the promise of improved accessibility, reduced emissions, and enhanced efficiency, on-demand public transportation brings a new era in public transit for the region. More information about the pilot project can be found at the official website.