PwC: Ostrava, Prague, and Brno lead Central and Eastern Europe in smart urban transport
Czech cities are making headlines for their top-notch urban transport systems, with Ostrava, Prague, and Brno ranking among the best in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a recent PwC study. Analyzing 25 cities from Central Europe to Almaty, Kazakhstan, PwC ranked Ostrava first, Prague second, and Brno fourth, noting their achievements in traffic management, environmental sustainability, public transport quality, and active mobility.
Ostrava claimed the top spot with robust public transport and exemplary traffic management, while Prague excelled in active mobility initiatives, particularly in creating pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Brno’s C-ROADS project, which shares real-time traffic data, also stood out, helping it secure fourth place. Tallinn, Estonia, ranked third, breaking the Czech streak at the top of the list.
In the report, PwC highlighted Prague’s efforts to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Ostrava’s “cleanOVA” app for reporting city maintenance issues, and Brno’s C-ROADS system as notable advancements in urban mobility. The study attributes the high public transport usage in Czech cities to affordability, with fares in the Czech Republic being the lowest in the region relative to average wages. Public transport is particularly popular in Ostrava, where it accounts for 69% of all journeys, well above the regional average of 49%.
PwC’s study also delved into air quality and sustainable transit. Prague was listed among the five cleanest cities in terms of dust pollution, whereas Ostrava faced challenges, ranking as the fourth most polluted city in this regard.
Central and Eastern Europe is making strides in promoting active mobility, with cycling rates above the European average, though still lagging behind cities in Germany. Walking to work remains a popular choice, particularly in Kiev, Bucharest, Budapest, and Košice.
With three Czech cities among the top four, the study underscores the Czech Republic’s leadership in urban transport innovation, setting a benchmark for the region.
Source: PwC and CTK