Catenary build for electrobuses commences in Prague

The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) has begun construction of a catenary in the capital. Once completed, the track will be used to test dynamically charged electrobuses – a step on the way to greener urban transport in the city.

Between 2015 and 2017 the DPP has been testing static-charged electrobuses in the Želivského turning loop near the A line metro station – a point at which several tram lines cross. For backbone lines with high passenger demand, long charging breaks would be required when using electrobuses with static charging – i.e. when they are standing in turning loops. Testing the operation of dynamically charged electrobuses, however, will be a first for the DPP. The charging will take place over a maximum distance of 15% of the total test section – an area selected due to a steep hill that would otherwise limit battery life.

Catenary testing

Prague’s catenary project forms part of the ELIPTIC European research project (for the Electrification of Public Transport in Cities) within the framework of the Twinning Cities Group. The DPP will test the available technological solution at the least possible cost over a test run of 10-kilometres, between Palmovka (the B line metro station) and Letňany (the C line metro station). When viability and effectiveness have been proven then decisions will be made concerning routine operation as well as appropriate investment regarding the purchase of vehicles and provision of permanent infrastructure.

DPP’s construction of the contact track will take approximately two months, during which time the transit company will be negotiating with potential suppliers regarding the provision of test vehicles. Testing over the winter period will be key to determining how effective the system is.

Future expansion to include all sections of Line No. 140 on the B line Palmovka – Čakovice – Miškovice at the northeastern edge of Prague is also being considered. Initial evaluation of the operation is planned for spring 2018.