České dráhy is readying 10 additional trains for papal visit

The railway company České dráhy is preparing for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in September by readying 10 additional trains to service the towns of Stará Boleslav and Brno, where the pope will be serving mass. Special timetables are also being made, all in an effort to cope with the 30,000 visitors expected in the Bohemian town of Stará Boleslav and up to 120,000 in the Moravian city of Brno. Transport has been one of the main concerns as officials prepare for the visit. Recently it was announced that a part of the country’s main east-west motorway would have to be closed for 24 hours to provide parking space for the 2000 buses anticipated. Pope Benedict’s stay in the Czech Republic will take place from September 26 to 28.