Prague Public Transit Company
| Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy | |
| Abbreviation | DPP |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1991 |
| Purpose | Transport authority |
| Headquarters | Sokolovská 42/217, Prague |
Region served | Prague, Czech Republic |
Chairman of the Board | Ladislav Urbánek |
| Website | www |
Prague Public Transit Company (Czech: Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy;[a] DPP) is the main operator of public transportation in Prague, Czech Republic. It includes the metro, trams, buses, and trolleybuses. It is a joint-stock company owned by the City of Prague.
History
Public transport in Prague before the DPP
Until 1897, public transport in Prague was operated exclusively by private companies, after which the city gradually took control. A key role was played by a municipal commission established in 1890, which evolved through several forms before becoming the Electric Enterprises of the Royal Capital City of Prague. In 1897, Prague purchased the horse tram network and integrated other transport companies, completing the process of municipalisation and establishing a monopoly over public transport by 1907.
Throughout the 20th century, the enterprise underwent numerous name and structural changes, from the Electric Enterprises to the Prague Public Transport Companies. In addition to transport, it also managed electricity, gas, and water services until these sectors were nationalised in 1946, after which the company focused solely on public transport. In subsequent decades, its activities expanded (e.g., taxi services and river transport), but these were later reorganised and gradually separated, particularly after 1989.
1991–present: DPP
Since 1991, the DPP has operated as a joint-stock company.
Between 2003 and 2006, the company underwent a major transformation aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs, including the integration of support services and the introduction of process-based management. Some services were outsourced. At the end of 2009, financial issues emerged due to a mismatch between ordered transport services and the city's allocated budget, leading to the threat of a strike and increased social tension.[1] In 2010, management announced plans to expand into suburban and regional transport to reduce dependence on city subsidies.[2]
Operation
In October 2024, DPP dismissed its CEO Petr Witowski in response to corruption charges.[3]
Notes
- ^ lit. 'transport company of the capital city of Prague'
References
- ^ "Pražští dopraváci protestovali na večírku firmy, která je vyhodila". ČT24 (in Czech). Czech Television. 10 December 2009. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ Švec, Petr (12 March 2010). "Dopravní podnik plánuje vyslat pražské autobusy do středních Čech". iDNES.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ Pohanka, Vít (21 October 2024). "The Prague Public Transport Company dismisses its CEO". Czech Radio. Retrieved 18 March 2026.