Ostrava and Prague have emerged as leading cities for public transport in Central and Eastern Europe, according to the latest CEE Smart Cities Mobility Index by consultancy firm PwC. The index, which compares 25 cities from Almaty to Zagreb, is based on extensive data across traffic management, environmental sustainability, public transport, and active mobility.
The index aims to provide a clearer picture of smart city mobility across the region, inspired by PwC’s global report Smart Cities: Mobility Ecosystems for a More Sustainable Future (2022). This regional edition highlights the mobility landscapes in 25 cities in Central and Eastern Europe.
High Public Transport Use and Low Costs in Czech Cities
The Czech cities of Ostrava, Prague, and Brno perform particularly well regarding the cost of public transport relative to income. They also show high rates of public transport use: in Ostrava, 69% of daily journeys are made via public transport, compared to 53% in Prague and Brno. The regional average is 49%. This affordability is largely due to significant subsidies—for instance, Prague covers around 85% of public transport operating costs through municipal funding.
Air Quality and Environmental Initiatives Remain a Key Challenge
Czech cities face challenges in air quality, as they exceed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limits for particulate matter. While the WHO sets the limit at five micrograms per cubic metre, Prague measures 11.5 micrograms, Brno 12.5 micrograms, and Ostrava even 16.4 micrograms.
In efforts to improve environmental impact, Prague is focusing on electromobility. A master plan established in 2019 aims to expand public charging infrastructure to 4,500 charging stations by 2030, ultimately supporting up to 200,000 electric vehicles in the capital.
Bicycle Friendliness: Central and Eastern Europe lagging behind Germany
Compared to German cities like Berlin, Munich, and Rostock, the share of daily bicycle journeys in most Central and Eastern European cities remains low. While the average for the region is 11.8%, German cities achieve a higher rate of 19.1%.
The Mobility Index results underscore both the strengths and areas for improvement in Czech cities’ mobility infrastructure. While public transport use and affordability in Prague, Ostrava, and Brno are commendable, promoting environmental sustainability and expanding active transport options, like cycling, remain essential goals for the future.
