Prague Integrated Transport offers a unified ticketing system across all the different types of public transport services running in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region. PID also unifies regulations, route numbering plan, some parts of the information system, transfer facilities improving mixed-mode commuting, and also unified service subsidy system.[2]
Naming and branding
Previously, the Prague mass transit system was simply called IDS (integrovaný dopravní systém). The modern name PID (pražská integrovaná doprava) was first used in 1993 as a part of the name of the ROPID organisation, which has also started using this name for the transport system itself.
In 2021 Prague Integrated Transport adopted its new design scheme, including a new logo and a new paint scheme for vehicles operating under its network. The new paint scheme includes distinctive vertical red stripes and it will be gradually introduced on all vehicles. [3]
The Prague Integrated Transport (PID) network operates on a proof-of-payment system. Passengers must buy and validate a ticket immediately after boarding a vehicle, or before entering a metro station's paid area. There are uniformed and plainclothes fare inspectors who randomly check passengers' tickets within the paid area; they are equipped with an inspection badge or carrier ID.
The tickets are the same for all means of transport in Prague (metro, tramways, city buses, trains, Petřín funicular and ferries) with the exception of SMS tickets in trains and short-term tickets (for 30 or 90 minutes) in the funicular.
Basic single transfer tickets cost 40 CZK (as of 1 August 2021) for a 90-minute ride or 30 CZK for a 30-minute ride. In November 2007 SMS purchase for basic single transfer tickets and day tickets was introduced.[4] Children up to 15 years and people over age 65 travel for free. People aged from 60 to 65 years travel half-fare.[5]
Short-term tourist passes are available for periods of 24 hours (120 CZK) and 3 days (330 CZK) (as of 25 Apr 2024).[2]
Longer-term season tickets can be bought on the smart ticketing system Lítačka card, for periods of one month (550 CZK), three months (1480 CZK) or the annual pass for 3650 CZK.[6]
Transporters participating in PID
Most of the inner-city services are operated by the city-owned Prague Public Transit Company (Czech: Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy, DPP), which is the sole operator of Prague Trams and Metro and also the operator of most inner-city bus services and the Petřín funicular. Regional bus services and rail services are operated by various contract operators.
All contract operators are required to comply with the standards of Prague Integrated Transport, therefore offering a similar level of services.
Škoda 14T in the new design scheme of Prague Integrated TransportMap of metro and tram network in Prague, 2013
City rail services are de facto monopolised by DPP, which operates all Prague tram and metro services, and the Petřín funicular. To date, there have not been any realistic proposals of any other transporter to operate any services of this kind.
Trolleybus services
In 2023, regular operation launched on two newly set-up trolleybus lines, including line 59 connecting Prague Airport with the city centre. Both are operated by DPP.
City bus services in Prague were originally operated by multiple city-owned enterprises, later merged into a single entity, Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy. Today, this company operates most of the city bus services, and also some of the suburban coach services.