Vintage Škoda bus makes first journey on Prague’s K line
The Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) on Sunday set a restored 1970s Škoda bus off on its inaugural journey around the northwest of Prague. Starting and ending in Strahov, the K line is a special route reserved for historical vehicles that operates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Compared with the modern, cuboid buses that DPP operates around Prague daily, a Škoda 706 RTO MTZ bus is a distinctive sight. Its red and cream colours and curved shape are a blast from the past, and transport fans could enjoy the retro experience on Sunday 20th.
The restored bus has had a varied history. Built in 1970, it originally ran on the public transport network in the city of Jihlava, before being taken out of public service and used instead for agricultural workers. In the 1990s, it was purchased by a private owner, who restored it in 2021 and planned to use it for historical rides in Jihlava. When that plan did not work out, it was sold to DPP.
The transport company intends to run it as part of their fleet of historical vehicles on the K line, which takes passengers for a tour around the Strahov and Dejvice areas of Prague. The line is operational from March to November, and is not covered by ordinary DPP tickets. Following the success of Prague’s historical trams as a unique experience for tourists and locals alike, DPP is keen to promote retro buses like the Škoda 706 RTO MTZ as an alternative offering. The bus will be included among the programme of special rides offered next June, which will celebrate 100 years since the start of regular bus services in Prague.
