Public transport ridership in Czechia rebounds to near-record highs

Public transport in Czechia is experiencing a strong recovery, with new figures showing that nearly two billion passengers used trams, buses, metro, and trolleybuses across the country in 2024. It marks the highest number of riders since before the Covid-19 pandemic and one of the strongest years on record.

According to the Statistical Yearbook of the Association of Transport Companies (SDP ČR), 1.92 billion passengers used public transport last year. Revenue from ticket sales exceeded CZK 8.1 billion, a 5 percent increase from the previous year and the highest annual intake in history.

Officials attribute the surge in ridership to a combination of factors, including ongoing investment in modern vehicles, improved accessibility, and a growing shift toward sustainable forms of mobility.

“Public transport is once again seen as a reliable and modern option, even in times of crisis,” said Tomáš Pelikán, chairman of SDP ČR. “These numbers show that people are regaining trust in the system.”

Officials say the surge in popularity of public transport across Czechia is driven by a mix of modernization, convenience, and climate-conscious commuting. Major cities have invested in cleaner fleets, rolling out low-emission buses, electric vehicles, and trams.

At the same time, the rise of contactless payments and user-friendly mobile apps has made hopping on a tram or bus easier than ever. Expanded routes in regional towns have improved accessibility, while stable fares, thanks partly to calmer energy prices, have kept public transport affordable.

Electric buses and trolleybuses are also gaining ground, particularly in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, forming the backbone of low-emission transport plans.

Despite the positive trends, SDP ČR emphasized that maintaining momentum will require continued investment from municipalities and the state.

“This growth is encouraging, but it’s also a challenge,” said Martin Chval, executive director of SDP ČR. “If we want this trend to continue, we need stable funding and a long-term strategy for development.”

The association praised the work of thousands of public transport employees and stressed the importance of building on current successes to improve quality of life in urban areas.

“Public transport reflects the health of our cities,” said Chval. “This rebound shows what’s possible when there’s commitment to modernization and service.”