Prague Celebrates 150 Years of Public Transport with Grand Tram Parade

A Historic Milestone for Prague's Urban Transit

The city of Prague, Czech Republic, marked a significant milestone in its urban development by hosting a grand tram parade on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The event, meticulously organized by the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP), commemorated 150 years since the inception of urban public transport in the Czech capital. This celebration highlighted the rich history and continuous evolution of the city's transit system, which symbolically began with horse-drawn trams in 1875.

A Journey Through Time on Rails

The parade featured an impressive display of up to 40 trams, showcasing a diverse range of vehicles from different eras. Leading the procession was an authentic horse-drawn tram, a direct nod to the city's first public transport service that commenced on September 23, 1875, running from Karlín to the Emperor Franz Josef chain bridge. Following this historical centerpiece, the parade included various iconic models, illustrating the technological advancements over the decades:

• The historic motor tram 88 from 1900
• The elegant salon tram 200
• The unique observation tram 500
• Modern representatives such as the 14T, 15T, and the state-of-the-art 52T
• Specialized vehicles like the T3 Coupé, training trams, and work vehicles including the popular Mazačka, snow ploughs, and sweepers

This comprehensive collection offered spectators a vivid visual timeline of Prague's tramway development.

Parade Route and Public Engagement

The day's festivities commenced with an exhibition of all participating vehicles on Sokolovská Street, situated between the Křižíkova and Urxova stops, starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade itself officially began at 11:00 a.m. from the Urxova stop in Karlín, embarking on an approximately 12-kilometer route through the city. Enthusiasts and the general public gathered along the designated route, with the Mánes Bridge (Mánesův most) identified as a prime viewing and photography spot. The event underscored the integral role public transport plays in the daily life and historical fabric of Prague.

A Legacy of Excellence in Urban Mobility

The 150-year anniversary is part of a broader series of celebrations by the DPP in 2025, which also includes commemorating 100 years of bus operation in Prague. Zdeněk Hřib, First Deputy Mayor of Prague for Transport and Chairman of the DPP Supervisory Board, highlighted the city's unwavering commitment to public transport, stating that Prague's system is 'one of the best and highest quality in the world' and consistently ranks highly in global assessments. The grand tram parade served not only as a historical tribute but also as a testament to Prague's ongoing dedication to maintaining a modern, efficient, and highly-regarded public transportation network.