The Czech-American businessman named director general of the Czech capital’s scandal-ridden public transport firm (DPP) has said in an interview that fares could rise some 10 to 12 percent, with the cost on an annual pass rising up to Kč 500.
“We have an altogether quite modern fleet and extensive network of connections and the frequency of service is excellent,” Vladimír Lich told the daily Mladá fronta Dnes. “Prague residents using public transport receive excellent service at a very, very reasonable price. Give the quality of service, there is room to increase prices. ”
The first price increase would likely first affect prepaid passes used by regular commuters.
“In their case, the ratio of price to service is the worst [for the DPP],” he said. “Statistics show that the Prague commuters use public transport system four times a day. With a pass, it comes to Kč 4 or 5 per ride. There is room there to increase our prices. For single tickets, I think the space is not so great.”
The last across-the-board fare hike came at the start of 2008.
