Prague unveils new Petřín funicular cars ahead of September reopening
Prague’s public transport operator has unveiled the new cars for the Petřín Funicular, allowing the public to see them for the first time, as reconstruction of the line moves toward completion in the second half of September.
The popular cable car to Petřín has been out of operation since late 2024 and a crowd of curious onlookers gathered to see its upgraded version in action for the first time this week. The sleek black-and-white cabins with panoramic glass windows drew praise from onlookers.
“It looks very nice. What surprised me is that the funicular will not be air-conditioned and will mostly offer standing room only. It is beautiful, but I’m not sure how people will cope with the heat in the summer,” one young woman told Czech Radio.
According to Prague Public Transit spokesperson Daniel Šabík, air conditioning would not be effective given the short, three-minute ride time and frequent door opening. He says each cabin can carry up to 120 passengers and is not yet operating under full load.
“These are verification runs that allow the manufacturer and technicians to complete installation and fine-tune all systems. Once both cars receive operational certification, we can begin test runs, which require a minimum of 240 hours”.
The new cars will operate without onboard staff and will be controlled remotely from a central control room. The braking system has also been completely redesigned. While the old cars braked via the cable, the new system uses standard rail braking.
Prague deputy mayor for transport Jaromír Beránek said the previous cars, dating back to 1985, were badly in need of replacement.
“They were something of a hybrid, combining a newer body with older technology. Now the technology has been fully replaced, and we have completely new cars that I hope will serve for another 50 years without major intervention,” he said.
The new cars were designed by Czech architect and designer Anna Marešová and produced in Switzerland. The cabins are open and airy, with large glass surfaces offering panoramic views.
Moreover the designer added a special feature as a nod to Petřín’s reputation as a lovers’ meeting place. It is a play of lights that takes place when two cable cars meet along the way. Just before they pass each other, one car gives the other a broad wink. In response the other blushes and the interior lights of the car turn pink.
Each car is divided into four compartments and each has a separate entrance so as to ensure more comfortable boarding and alighting of passengers. The lower part of the vehicle is for wheelchair users or passengers with prams.
The test runs of the new funicular, whose history dates back to 1891, will continue throughout the summer. It is expected to resume service by the end of September.
