Fewer trains should run between Prague and Beroun, due to the reconstruction
The line has long been struggling with outages, which are related to the ongoing reconstruction between Smíchov and Radotín, as well as the poor condition of the infrastructure. “The situation is really critical. It must achieve a reduction in the number of trains on the line until the completion of the line reconstruction. It is mainly about monitoring express trains and express trains and optimizing the operation of passenger trains, “said Petr Borecký after the meeting of the councilor of the Central Bohemian Region. According to him, the region and Ropid have already taken the first step, when they extended the train interval between Radotín and Smíchov from 10 to 15 minutes.
The list of planned measures also includes the optimization of the operation of current sets and their recommended addition of machinery from local lines in the section Beroun – Karlštejn. This should eliminate the situation where the delay is transmitted even on the first kilometers of the line in Prague or Černošice further along the entire line. In the game there is also the possibility to supplement the trains with express buses from municipalities such as Řevnice, Lety and Dobřichovice.
Monday is not suitable for the minister
According to Borecký, however, a key agreement with the Ministry of Transport on a possible reduction in the number of long-distance trains on this line. On the contrary, the Ministry increased the number of long-distance trains before starting the reconstruction. The region invited the Minister of Transport to the meeting, but he did not arrive. In recent weeks, Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček has been describing the region’s leadership in the field of transport as dilettantes as part of his election campaign, as he wants to limit traffic on uncrowded lines. In the case of one of the busiest routes, however, the Minister ignored the negotiations.
According to ministry spokesman František Jemelka, the organizers invited only the minister, and therefore no one else came to office. “On Monday, it is more complicated due to the government and later they did not offer the date,” said Jemelka. According to him, the ministry expects that this matter will be further discussed.
There are three long-distance transport lines between Prague and Beroun. One of them (R26 Prague – Písek – České Budějovice) is diverted on the line through Rudná. “If the restriction of the operation of the railways causes such a minimum capacity that long-distance trains cannot pass through the section, he is entitled, according to the transport contract, to introduce alternative bus transport for the trains,” added Jemelka.
Reconstruction of the section from Smíchov to Radotín is currently underway on the line. Further parts are being repaired. Operation is complicated on the line by regularly pulled traction lines or failures of the safety equipment. Last year, the situation was further complicated by a burned-out substation, and this winter the fallen pole of the traction line, which damaged the car.