PRAGUE

Prague’s public transport is to be expanded by shared bicycles. To unlock them, Lítačka will suffice

Extended hand of Prague public transport. This is how representatives of Nextbike, the largest domestic bicycle sharing company, talk about a novelty that they are preparing together with the capital’s management. According to them, Prague could become the first Czech city in which time tickets for public transport are combined with shared bicycle services.

According to the director of operations of the company Nextbike, Tomáš Karpov, every holder of Lítačka would simply unlock a shared bicycle on the final trams, for example, and drive home on it for free.

“We are now negotiating with the Prague city company Operátor ICT and especially the transport organizer Ropid, from whom the idea came. At the moment, we are mainly dealing with whether it is technically feasible at all. But if it worked out, it would be great for Praguers. I would like to point out that the Lítačka could also be used to unlock the shared wheels of the competition. Not only ours, “primary for the daily Metro Karpov. Adam Scheinherr, Deputy Mayor for Transport, also confirmed that this is a connection between shared bicycles and public transport.

“Nextbike already operates in the Czech Republic in 23 cities, including Prague. Supports from the city then directly used in nineteen of them. It is a question of how much something similar will make sense in Prague, “he adds for Metro Karpov.

The city of Tábor cites an example where the support system has proved its worth. The city pays money to pay local citizens the first fifteen minutes of free driving. It works similarly in Ostrava or Mladá Boleslav. “In the case of Tábor, the whole city can be crossed in fifteen minutes, so it is logically the most advantageous here. In the case of larger cities, this is the proverbial extended arm of public transport, “describes Karpov.

However, the idea of ​​including shared bicycles in the public transport system is already receiving criticism from Praguers. Start in August, especially due to tariff changes, those passengers who were used to using one-off tickets when traveling by public transport will pay extra. The half-hour ticket will now cost at least the original 24, but 30 crowns, and the 90-minute price will increase from 32 to 40 crowns. SMS tickets will also become more expensive. On the other hand, what should not be more expensive are long-term coupons uploaded to Lítačka. One day they feel that the money for the project will be received by officials from their pockets.

“Of course, the recognition of the PID tariff will not be free, so the amount that the municipality will give to Nextbik must necessarily be taken out on the fare. So will I personally pay for someone to rent a bike? “Tomáš Löbl writes on Ropid’s Facebook. He is not alone in his criticism. “I also see more of the back door to the city budget. Whether Prague cares or has high-quality public transport and entertainment, let each castle out of its own pocket, ”writes Patrik Chrz.

In Prague, they share what they can

  • There are several possible shares of bicycles and other vehicles in the capital. Their use is relatively simple. You need to consider some of the providers and then use the mobile application. You must use a credit card to pay for services. For most, it is possible to pay for each ride or use a prepaid fare.
  • In addition to Nextbike, Bolt and Rekola e-bikes, Lime shared e-scooters and the most technologically advanced freebike e-bikesharing are also in operation in the metropolis. For the second season, the streets of Prague are being visited by electric trainers of the Polish franchise blinkee.city.
  • Among the defunct bikesharing companies, on the other hand, is the company Velonet, which ended in 2020. Velonet stands, which, unlike the competition, were not virtual but physical, were located in the capital, for example in Prague 4.
  • If the negotiations on the pilot operation of the connection of shared bicycles with public transport in Prague were successful, it would be a breakthrough in the understanding of shared bicycles in the Czech Republic.
  • A unified city system, which would better connect bicycles and public transport and, for example, allow you to rent a bicycle from Lítačka, was planned in the capital several years ago. Rekola has been in the game for a long time with its pink wheels. However, the transport company excluded the company from the tender. The competition was then challenged by the Office for the Protection of Competition. He then canceled it.

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