Prague metro celebrates 30th birthday
Since its first line began running three decades ago, Prague's metro system has expanded with the city. It now has three lines in an underground railway network covering around 50 km, and it has firmly established itself as the transport backbone of the Czech capital. Anyone living in Prague will have used the metro at some stage to get around, and it's virtually impossible to imagine how the city could function without it.
The metro's technical director Josef Nemecek has been involved with the system since its very beginning. He's very proud of Prague's underground railway and feels it is vital to the city's transport network:
"For me it's a big source of satisfaction. I think the metro in Prague operates on a very high level. For example the interval between trains on Line C is just 110 seconds, which is a very short interval. I think the metro system in Prague is very important for public transport. If the metro were to stop for ten minutes during the day, it would be a very, very big problem."
Mr Nemecek, said that the Prague metro would continue to expand and develop. An extension to the network's C line is due to be completed in the next few years and there are also plans to build a fourth line in the future.
I asked some of those attending why they were so interested in Prague's metro system:
"I'm a very big fan of Prague metro. I'm very happy that we are celebrating its thirtieth anniversary here today. I've been a fan of trains and metros since my childhood and I hope to work here as a train driver one day."
Can you imagine how Prague would work without a metro?
"No absolutely not. I think the Metro is the biggest thing in Prague."
"I'm visiting because I use the metro everyday and I think it's very interesting to visit and see how they function."
Where are you from?
"I'm from France."
"Well, it's a lot smaller, but it works really well. There's never any problems moving around on the metro."
"We have a son who is interested in these vehicles, so that's why we're here."
Can you remember Prague before the metro?
"Yes but it's a long time ago. We were ten years old when the metro started in Prague so I don't remember too much. But I remember there were a lot more trams and buses in the centre. Now I can't imagine Prague without the metro."
Why are you interested in seeing a metro depot?
"Mainly the old trains - thirty years is a long time."
So is the Prague metro older than you?
"Yes, definitely- much older!"
Can you imagine Prague without the metro?
"No I can't imagine it, because it's something that I use all the time. Not just to go to work. I go on it everyday."
