The electrification of Prague’s public transport continues to advance. In addition to expanding its tram network, the city is increasingly investing in trolleybuses. Prague’s transport operator has now received official approval to electrify bus route 131.
Alongside the ongoing tram expansion, more electrified bus lines are being introduced. The Prague Transport Authority recently obtained approval to construct the charging and power supply infrastructure for the electrification of bus line 131 (Bořislavka – Hradčanská). Construction is set to begin by the end of June 2025, with completion and commissioning planned for no later than June 2026. Once electrified, bus line 131 will be reclassified as trolleybus line 51.
Bus line 131 serves a challenging route, primarily covering the residential areas of Prague 6 (Hanspaulka, Dejvice, and Bubeneč). Part of its path follows the historic route of Prague’s first trolleybus line, which began operating in August 1936. As a result, the Bořislavka and Hanspaulka neighbourhoods have a deep-rooted connection to the city’s trolleybus history, which has played a key role in shaping the local streetscape.
The new trolleybus line will stretch approximately eight kilometres. The section between Bořislavka and Zelená will feature overhead wiring, while the segment between Na Pískách Street and the Bořislavka terminus will have overhead lines only in the uphill direction.
“The future of public transport in Prague is emission-free! The city will soon have not only new trams but also more trolleybuses. The electrification of bus lines is progressing at an unprecedented pace, and the fleet must be significantly expanded. Since last year, trolleybuses have been operating between Palmovka and Miškovice and from Veleslavín to the airport,” said Zdeněk Hřib, Prague’s 1st Deputy Mayor for Transport.
The transport company recently announced plans to acquire up to 180 additional low-floor battery-powered trolleybuses—90 articulated and 90 standard models. The estimated total value of the public contract is CZK 3.465 billion.
