Trams Prague: The new system determines the location based on two metrics

“We have been using outdated satellite receivers in trams to determine the precise location of vehicles for about 20 years, they only work on the GPS system. However, in densely built-up areas in the center of Prague, these devices are very often and show significant deviations from the current actual position in the order of tens to hundreds of meters, which is unsatisfactory for the further development of modern applications in public transport,” said Milan Slunečko, head of the DPP tram administration.

The exact localization of the trams will make it possible to improve the overview of the current traffic situation for DPP dispatchers and passengers. The company will then make it possible to effectively plan the operation of the trams.

The multi-frequency satellite receiver supplies the signal from various Global Positioning Satellite Systems (GNSS), not only the GPS operated by the United States Space Force (USSF), but especially from the European autonomous system Galileo. Both systems provide free services. To find a solution last year, the DPP collaborated, among others, with CTU and the Agency for the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GSA), transformed into the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA).

“We tested different types of multi-frequency receivers, with each of them we completed dozens of test drives in normal traffic. We gradually replace the original receivers with new ones as part of the planned maintenance or repairs of individual cars,” said Slunečko. Receivers are now in roughly a third of the DPP fleet. “We plan to install it in all trams by the end of 2023,” added Slunečko.

Passengers can track the exact location of trams, buses and the metro in Prague via the PID Lítačka application, in which they can also monitor timetables, information or buy a ticket. People can see how long the train will take on electronic boards in all metro stations and also at some surface stops.