Is Public Transport Free in Prague?
As it has already been pointed out, Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, possesses well-organised and comprehensive public transport system. Exploring the city is quite easy; however, some questions may come across the mind of the visitor and one of which is whether or not transportation in Prague is free. Well let’s look at it in detail and make this determination.
Overview of Prague’s Public Transport
Traffic in Prague is very good with a lot of means of transportation some of them are trams, buses and the metro. It has been established by the Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) and is among the most reliable, frequent and has a wide coverage in Prague.
Ticketing System
Unlike some other cities where public transport is available for free, Prague does not fully apply to this kind of service. Nevertheless, there are some circumstances when travelling in the city is free of charge.
Free Travel for Children
Currently, it is legal for children below the ages of six to travel freely by all means of transport within the Prague area. This is in regards to trams, bus and the metro. However, it must be said that each child has to have one adult with them.
Transportation Passes and Tickets
In the case of the later, persons of 6 years and above who wish to utilize public transport in Prague must have a ticket or pass. The ticketing depends on time agenda and also zones of operation that the targeted promoters will cover.
People are also charged according to the zones within the city of Prague and the amount of money that one spends depends on the number of Zones traversed. To be specific the city mainly has three areas namely P, 0, and B.
These categories of ticket are as follows Most common types of ticket are:
- 30-Minute Ticket: Valid for 30 minutes of travel within the selected zones.
- 90-Minute Ticket: Valid for 90 minutes of travel within the selected zones.
- Daily Ticket: Valid for unlimited travel for 24 hours within the selected zones.
The ticket may cost depends on the distance which can be divided into zones and the number of the zones to be traveled. Before getting aboard , one should always make sure that he/she has paid the fare because tickets cannot be bought once on the transport vehicle.
Tips for Using Public Transport in Prague
Validate Your Ticket
It is required that after buying ticket, one validates it as a stamp proof of payment before boarding On board, you will find it essential to validate your ticket whether it is through a stamp as a proof of payment or not. Ticket valitation machines located on trams or near the entrance of a metro line should be painted yellow or orange. All that is required is to place the ticket into the slot provided and the machine stamps it. It is also important not to validate your ticket if you do this you are likely to be fined if intercepted by an inspector.
Keep Your Ticket Handy
On the journey, there is one important thing that you are supposed to ensure that you have all the time: your ticket. The ticket inspectors may check from time to time and you are liable to produce a validated ticket. Indeed, non-production of ticket attracts penalty in form of a fine.
Plan Your Travel in Advance
However sensible approach needs to be taken while travelling in Prague as public transport so that the maximum could be utilised. You should therefore get to know the different routes that are available, the different stops and connection points. It is advisable to use online map or mobile applications to find your way within the city conveniently.
Peak Hours and Crowded Transport
If possible, it is also advisable to travel specially if one is using public transport because he can get easily stuck with other passengers. Rush hours are regarded as 6.30am-8.30 am and 4.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m. in weekdays. However, if you don’t like it to be crowded, it is advisable to do so during other hours rather than the mentioned above.
Conclusion
However, the public transport of the city is not free for all the transport means, but there are some population groups that have an opportunity to ride the means of public transport for free – children under the age of 6. For the rest of the people, a ticket or a pass is obligatory for travel to the mentioned destination. At that way, knowing the structure mentioned in the ticketing system, and following those tips, you will be able to get around Prague by the public transportation and enjoy the marvelous sightseeing.
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