The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) has launched a public tender for up to 200 standard 12-meter buses with an estimated value of 1.581 billion korun CZK, excluding VAT. According to the DPP, the contract includes up to 100 diesel-powered vehicles and up to 100 mild-hybrid units, aiming to maintain fleet flexibility while balancing environmental standards and operational reliability.
Evaluating the Fleet Procurement Strategy
The DPP’s procurement strategy relies on three specific criteria to determine the winning bidder. According to official tender documents, total purchase price carries the highest weight. Fuel consumption and the length of the vehicle warranty are weighted equally as the remaining criteria. This shift toward a mixed procurement model follows a period where the company signaled a move away from diesel. Jan Barchánek, DPP transport director, noted in an interview with E15 that while the long-term goal is to transition to trolleybuses, battery-electric buses, and hybrids, the company must continue purchasing diesel-compatible vehicles to meet government-mandated average fleet age limits and PID quality standards.
Did you know?
Mild-hybrid buses differ from full hybrids because the electric motor is not the primary source of propulsion. Instead, it acts as a generator to assist with acceleration and energy recovery during braking.
Operational Requirements and Vehicle Standards
The new fleet must meet stringent technical specifications to ensure passenger comfort and safety. All 200 buses must be low-floor and equipped with full-vehicle air conditioning, automated passenger counting, and comprehensive camera systems. According to the DPP, the vehicles must feature between 29 and 35 seats, including at least six designated for passengers with limited mobility. The expected service life for these buses is at least 12 years, with a minimum 5-year warranty period.
The contract also addresses the necessary support infrastructure. The tender includes provisions for up to 100 portable chargers for the mild-hybrid buses and up to 35 sets of diagnostic hardware and software. Delivery is set for 12 months following a binding order.
Comparing Procurement Approaches
The current tender highlights a tactical split in how the DPP manages its 12-meter bus fleet compared to its articulated vehicle division. While the company is actively seeking new standard-length buses, it continues to rely on previous framework agreements for articulated diesel buses, with plans to order 62 of those this year. The decision to purchase diesel and mild-hybrid units stems from the need to remain independent of charging infrastructure for at least one-quarter of the fleet. This serves as a hedge against potential slowdowns in large-scale electrification projects.
Pro Tip:
When monitoring public transit procurement, look at the “total cost of ownership” rather than just the sticker price. Factors like fuel efficiency and the length of the maintenance warranty often reveal the long-term fiscal strategy of the transit operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the DPP still buying diesel buses?
According to DPP, the company must maintain a portion of its fleet independent of charging infrastructure to comply with government regulations regarding maximum fleet age and quality standards.
What is a mild-hybrid bus?
A mild-hybrid bus uses a combustion engine supplemented by an electric motor. The motor acts as a generator for energy recovery during braking and provides extra power during acceleration, but it cannot drive the bus on its own.
When will the next tender for articulated buses be released?
The DPP plans to launch a separate tender for up to 250 new articulated buses by the end of the current year.
What are your thoughts on the balance between electrification and conventional fuel sources in urban transit? Join the discussion in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Prague’s infrastructure developments.