Prague launches mobility-as-a-service pilot

The City of Prague is trialling a pilot scheme to integrate all transit services and payments in one place.

The Lítačka app, which is being implemented by Prague’s municipal company Operátor ICT, will create, test and operate a system for unified registration and payment for mobility services, including bike and carsharing, taxis, parking and public transport.

“This is another step in simplifying and streamlining options for using shared mobility services for citizens of Prague,” said Prague Mayor Zdeněk Hřib.

“Thanks to the connection of all involved providers with Prague integrated transport within one application, the use of alternative modes of transport will be significantly facilitated for all citizens of the capital – and that’s how it should be in a modern, developing city.”

According to the city, users will be able to register for the service on their phone in a matter of minutes, and identity verification will cover all participating mobility providers – excluding the need for multiple registrations.

The app also integrates up-to-date schedule information and maps.

Four stages

The pilot scheme will last 28 months and have four stages.

“The first stage will focus on the detailed processing of the system architecture, which will be based on mutual functional and operational requirements,” said Vojtěch Štěch, Project Manager, Operátor ICT.

“Development of software for uniform registration and payment for mobility services and subsequent integration into the PID Lítačky application is part of the second stage.

“The third stage will be devoted to actual testing, and the final stage is intended for trial operation.”

Sustainable transport

Last year Prague approved its climate action plan, which aims to lower emissions by 45 percent by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels).

As part of these efforts, the city wants to boost sustainable mobility options.

Last month the city council extended an initiative that gives holders of public transit passes two 15-minute bikeshare trips a day for free, with the intention that people will use public transport for the bulk of their journey and shared bikes for the last mile.

“The pilot project between shared bike providers and Prague Integrated Transport has been running since October 2021, and during that time it has been used by over 23,000 people, who have made a total of 343,000 rentals,” said Adam Scheinherr, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Transport.

“In the last three months alone, there were over 191,000 loans. The record day was 23 June, when we recorded 3,239 loans.”

Earlier this year, the city opened a new extension of its tram network, and is currently building a fourth metro line.

Jorge Franganillo (Flickr)