The construction of metro D will be without problems even in difficult terrain, says the director of DPP
You recently completed a geological survey. Did you run into any problems?
The geological survey, which we conducted at four locations in the future metro line D, confirmed the geological complexity of the area. Fortunately, the subway construction project was prepared according to previously tested engineering procedures, and based on that, we assume that the construction will proceed without any problems.
The metro line will lead under densely populated areas. How do you ensure safe construction?
This is exactly what the goal of the geological survey was. First of all, it is necessary to make great adjustments to the buildings to carry out the passportization of all on the surface (representation of individual in the area – editor’s note). The purpose of geological monitoring is also to build the functions of the terrain and the surrounding environment, which takes place during excavation. In addition to the fact that there are a lot of high-rise buildings in Pankrác, the metro line C already leads. During the survey, we undermined it and measured the movements of the “céčka” tunnel. It was in the area that the groundwater flowed from the rock layers into the excavated area during the excavation more significantly than we expected in the upper. This led to larger overburden drops. Construction companies therefore had to use grouting and special compounds to strengthen the upper layers of the overburden. others are very effective. Therefore, we will use the method to strengthen the terrain during the construction itself.
Were there any other issues?
There is a large number of engineering networks on the Pankrác plain, including a water supply system from Želivka, which supplies the whole of Prague. All work in this area is demanding, so the construction of the first section is planned for seven and a half years. The rest of the section, Olbrachtova – Nové Dvory, will be built for six years.
Will construction begin in the spring?
We still do not have a valid building permit, but I firmly believe that we will receive it in the spring. As for the actual start of construction, we could start three to four weeks after receiving the permit. We must first prepare and hand over the construction site, re-carry out the passportization. Then we could start building.
With the arrival of the omicron, Prague was preparing crisis scenarios to ensure the operation of the city. According to them, the DPP could run according to holiday or weekend schedules. What is the current situation in DPP?
We are still driving in half-holiday traffic and we will drive in it until the end of the spring holidays in Prague at the latest. Then we should go full operation, but it will depend on the development of the pandemic.
Petr Witowski
|
How many employees do you have in quarantine?
At the moment, we have a positive 135 operating employees or drivers, drivers, supervisors and dispatchers. I believe that the Ministry of Health is right with the retreat of the omicron wave, and we will survive in half-holiday operation. Perhaps we will not have to approach more crisis scenarios.
Which of the covid waves was the worst for DPP?
The Omicron wave was more lenient with us. We had the biggest problem at the beginning of last year. Several hundred of our employees were included in the operation at its peak. Now the reduced quarantine time helps us significantly. It used to take 14 days, so employees couldn’t work long hours. In addition, we have again taken a number of preventive measures that have worked for us in previous waves, including strapping the front rows of seats in buses. We have also separated dispatch shifts and reduced driver rotation at switching points.
Due to the epidemic, Prague’s public transport cars emptied, fewer people drove than usual. Did the passengers return to public transport?
Today, cars are not so empty. The emptiness in 2020 is due to closed schools. Many people were at home, for example, at the home office. Today, residents normally go to school and work, so the occupancy rate is about 70 percent compared to the last, non-victim year 2019. So there are about a third less people.
How will your budget affect inflation and rising energy prices this year? Are you planning an increase?
Fill the city order. Prague will pay for us under certain conditions of the conditions of transport performance, and subsequently also. At present, fare revenues cover about 15 percent of the total operating costs. We get the rest from the city. The budget will be enough for us this year, because we have already bought energy for this year.
There are a number of questions surrounding the construction of the D metro, to which Deputy Scheinherr has answered |
As?
We use the method of gradual purchases and secure energy according to price developments up to two years in advance. For this year, we bought most of the electricity before last year’s crisis. Of course, the current high prices will have an impact in the years to come.
And what about prices in construction and their impact on the construction of metro D?
This will show the tender for the construction of the follow-up section. From today’s point of view, we are very happy that we have had the first part of Pankrác-Olbrachtov competed for some time. If we had to compete with it now, it would cost a lot more money.
Recently, Merciful Summer is over. A lot of people owe you, mostly for driving illegally. By how much will the number of debtors decrease?
We consider a gracious summer a success. As of mid-January, 5,702 cases had been resolved. The event lasted almost until the end of January, so we expect that this number will increase by a few resolved cases.
How much money did Merciful Summer bring you?
We will have the amount and the exact number of cases quantified at the end of February. We cannot say that now, because the debts have different ages and the fare and the fine have changed again during that time. However, it will not have a major impact on our economy.
Prague began exchanging shelters for public transport. It is now managed by the Technology of the Capital City of Prague (THMP), but the city wants it to be taken over by DPP …
At the moment when there is a problem with the shelter, all people logically turn to the DPP, because everyone thinks they are ours. Which is only true for a small amount, most of them are not in our administration. It would be a logical step for me to take care of them. However, a lot of open issues need to be resolved, both in relation to the city and the THMP, and to the way in which the DPP would take care of the shelters. We are currently discussing what this might look like and are looking for a new system solution for urban furniture management.