Prague has quietly accelerated trams, so far for a test. To the displeasure of some drivers
Tram travel on some lines in Prague accelerated last week. However, the reason is not construction or technical improvement of the tracks, but paper
Tram travel on some lines in Prague accelerated last week. However, the reason is not the construction or technical improvement of the tracks, but a paper change in the timetables. The time reserve has disappeared from a number of routes. In practice, DPP officially needs fewer trams, and thus Prague could pay less for tram transport than before.
Head of the Communication Department of Dopravní podnik hl. m Prague (DPP) Daniel Šabík confirmed that this is an initiative of the capital. The reason, however, is not officially savings: it is a reaction to the gradual modifications of intersections, where trams now prefer. “In real operation in Prague, we would like to test whether the reduction of long-term tram travel times is realistic, so that we can ultimately make the transport of our customers more attractive.“Said Sabik.
More lines have been modified, with some reducing the travel time by up to 7 minutes. “We are currently collecting data, as part of the emergency measures, traffic in Prague is changing from day to day, it would be premature to define any trends at this time,“Added Sabik. Acceleration can have another impact: fewer trams will be needed because of their so-called displacement.
According to Luboš Olejár, chairman of the Prague DP trade unions, drivers’ reactions to the measures are not very positive, especially because they may increase the probability of delays. “There are places where the acceleration of logic has, but definitely not on a lot of routes,“Said Olejar.
The editors of Zdopravy.cz speak with several tram drivers under the guarantee of anonymity. According to them, the shortened driving times have lost the ability to catch up on delays in some sections, and in some sections, according to them, the real route can be managed in a given time. Some also spoke publicly after the text was published.
To shorten driving times: While before that the bike on line 5 was in 1:27, after the change by 6 min. less.
I think that the scissors have opened up even more between the drivers who are ruled by the Timetable and are trying to submit to it at all costs and to us who have already resigned. But most drivers are somewhere in between. pic.twitter.com/CYeRZk49yH
– Josef Chodounský (@JChodounsky) May 28, 2020
Drivers are not penalized for delays; personal evaluation can only be deducted if they go ahead and leave the stop before the timetable specifies.
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