Prague launches tunnelbus 145 and approves Leo Express rail line to Plzeň

Prague will introduce the express tunnelbus line 145 this summer, using the Blanka tunnel to connect Kobylisy (Praha 8) with Dejvická (Praha 6) in under 20 minutes, roughly a third faster than the current service. The project, backed by city officials, includes dedicated bus lanes, priority signalling and hybrid buses, and is seen as a basis for future express routes across the capital.

The Czech competition authority confirmed that private operator Leo Express may start a passenger rail service between Prague and Plzeň in December, deeming it will not disturb the balance of publicly contracted railway services. The decision also upheld Arriva's existing contracts, rejecting its appeal. Capacity for the new line will be allocated by Správa železnic, paving the way for expanded rail options in the region.