Prague commuters will see two key transit routes permanently switch to electric power on weekends, marking a major milestone in the capital’s transit overhaul. Starting Saturday, October 17, routes 51 and 53 transition to full weekend trolleybus operation, according to reporting by zdopravy.cz. The upgrade replaces legacy bus lines 131 and 176 with new Bozankaya SNG 12T vehicles. While weekend service shifts entirely to electric transport this month, diesel buses will continue to supplement the routes on weekdays until the full transition is finalized in approximately two to three weeks.
Fleet Expansion and Phased Deliveries
The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) has officially taken delivery of 15 additional Bozankaya trolleybuses. This brings its total inventory of the Turkish-manufactured vehicles to 28 out of a 30-unit order, according to Newstream. These new assets finally allow the transit authority to move past the sporadic, non-scheduled electric service that characterized the routes since their infrastructure was completed earlier this year.
As the vehicles undergo final quality inspections under Prague Integrated Transport (PID) standards, the city is phasing out the older diesel lines. Once the remaining two units from the current delivery are cleared of minor defects, the fleet will reach full operational capacity. Until then, four SOR TNS 12 trolleybuses—previously acquired as compensation for delays on the Letňany line—will continue to support the Bozankaya fleet.
Technical Architecture and Battery Range
The electrification push relies heavily on the technical capabilities of the SNG 12T models. These units feature LTO traction batteries with a capacity of approximately 60 kWh, allowing them to operate for roughly 40 kilometers off-wire under standard conditions, as Busportal reports.
Procurement requirements mandated a minimum range of 15 kilometers even under heavy load—defined by full passenger capacity, frequent stops, and active climate control. To optimize interior space, the manufacturer placed much of the primary traction equipment on the roof.
Emrah Dal, vice chairman of the board at Bozankaya, stated that the climate control and heating systems were specifically engineered to maintain passenger comfort across the full spectrum of Prague’s seasonal temperatures. The vehicles are fully low-floor, equipped with three double-width doors, and offer a total capacity of 82 passengers, including 32 seated positions.
Reviving Strahov’s Lost Transit History
The reintroduction of trolleybus service to the Strahov district carries deep symbolic weight for the city. As noted by Newstream, the area was home to the final line of Prague’s original trolleybus network, which ceased operations in the autumn of 1972.
Prague’s trolleybus history dates back to August 1936, when the first line connected Střešovice to the Hanspaulka area. The current expansion, which also includes the recent conversion of line 52 between Na Knížecí and Jinonice, represents a broad municipal effort to modernize public transport through electrification.
Transit Operations and Ongoing Transition
When will the diesel buses be fully replaced on weekdays?
The DPP expects the full transition to electric trolleybuses on weekdays to occur within two to three weeks, once the newly delivered 15 vehicles complete their final quality and safety checks.
What is the battery range of the new trolleybuses?
According to specifications provided by the manufacturer, the Bozankaya SNG 12T can cover approximately 40 kilometers without connection to overhead wires under normal operating conditions.
How many trolleybuses has the DPP ordered in total?
The DPP holds a framework agreement for up to 70 SNG 12T trolleybuses; as of mid-October, 30 vehicles have been ordered, with 28 already received and currently being prepared for service.
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