Pražská integrovaná doprava (PID) and dopravní podnik (DPP) launched the newly established tunelbus route 145 today, running through the Blanka tunnel complex to connect the north and west of Prague after more than 10 years of planning and delays. According to transport officials, the service links Čimice and Kobylisy in Prague 8 with Hradčanská and Dejvická in Prague 6, averaging a 15-minute journey from Kobylis to Hradčanská to provide a direct alternative to the metro system.
Route Details and Time Savings
The new line covers the distance between Kobylis and Hradčanská in roughly 15 minutes, undercutting the standard metro journey of 22 minutes, which can stretch up to half an hour once platform transit times are included. According to Martin Šubrt, deputy director for municipal transport, preparations accelerated over the past year due to the resolution of a critical shortage of bus drivers alongside a favorable political climate. Šubrt noted that convincing skeptics of the plan required demonstrating that sensitive traffic preferences would complement rather than restrict cars. Ropid representative Jiří Štěpán stated that the primary objective was to connect the north of the city to Dejvice with half the travel time of the metro.
Did You Know? The entire route spans Sídliště Čimice, Libeňská, Řepínská, Podhajská pole, Písečná, Služská, Kobylisy (in Nad Šutkou street), Okrouhlická, Vychovatelna, Hradčanská, Vítězné náměstí, and Dejvická, operating with a six-minute interval during weekday peak hours.
Infrastructure Challenges and Technical Hurdles
Navigating the route involves negotiating several complex junctions, including Prašný most, described by transit planners as one of the most difficult intersections in Prague. Because space constraints prevent buses from merging into regular traffic lanes after crossing the intersection from the tram corridor, Ropid is currently working on engineering a dedicated sdirect exit from the tracks. Further along the route, buses utilize a specialized maneuver at Špejchar, briefly mounting the tram body before turning directly into the Blanka tunnel under active traffic regulations.
Future Expansion and Operational Schedule
Transit planners intend to extend the tunelbus service further south to Smíchov via the Strahovského tunel, though this expansion cannot occur until the tunnel undergoes its planned reconstruction in the 30s. Current infrastructure constraints in the tunnel, such as high curbs that prevent bus doors from opening safely, preclude immediate use. In the near term, weekday peak services run every six minutes, while off-peak and weekend intervals range from 15 to 20 minutes, with the first departures starting at 04:45 from Sídliště Čimice and 04:58 from Dejvická.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the route number of the new tunelbus service?
The new bus route utilizing the Blanka tunnel complex carries the number 145.
How much faster is the tunelbus compared to the metro?
The tunelbus takes an average of 15 minutes to travel from Kobylisy to Hradčanská, compared to the 22-minute metro ride which can extend up to half an hour including platform walks.
Why cannot the tunelbus operate through to Smíchov immediately?
According to transit plans, extension to Smíchov through the Strahovské tunel requires a scheduled reconstruction in the 30s because current high curbs prevent bus doors from opening safely for passenger evacuation.
How do you view the integration of public transit into major urban road tunnels like Blanka?
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