Mayor against proposed 50 percent rise in fare cost on Prague's transport system

Prague Mayor Pavel Bem has come out strongly against a proposed 50 percent rise in the cost of fare on the city's transport network, saying it was "unacceptable". Under the proposal, the price of a monthly travel card could increase by 39 % while a single transfer ticket would cost 30 crowns - a rise of 50 %. The Prague Public Transport Authority would like to increase revenues to meet higher energy prices as well as to be able to cover new investment in services. The proposed tariff hike would help bring in an extra 850 million crowns (the equivalent of almost 47 million US dollars). City councillors are to discuss the proposals next week but the transport authority will reportedly provide the mayor with an alternative plan later on Friday.