THE TRANSFORMATION OF URBAN TRANSPORT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC, 1988-1998

As in most formerly socialist countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic has been experiencing a transport revolution since the shift from socialism to capitalism in the late 1980s. From 1988-1998, per-capita car ownership rose by 63% in the country overall, and by 93% in the capital city of Prague. Vehicle km of motor vehicle use have more than doubled. Conversely, public transit usage has fallen considerably; by 26% in the country as a whole and by 19% in Prague. This modal shift has resulted from increased incomes; access to Western markets; declining real prices of cars and fuel; removal of restrictions on manufacturing and importing cars; and the car\u27s attraction as a symbol of freedom, affluence, and status. The sharp reduction of subsidies for public transport has forced increases in fares and service cutbacks, which have also encouraged the shift toward private cars. The sudden surge in car ownership and use has caused significant social and environmental problems: roadway congestion, parking shortages, increased traffic accidents, air pollution, and noise. Given their severe financial limitations, Czech cities are struggling to preserve their public transport systems while accommodating the increase in private car ownership. This paper examines this shift in the Czech transport system, focusing on urban passenger transport supply and demand and shifts in travel behavior, and offers potential alternatives and solutions to the problems this shift has caused