Final Word from Tuesday, May 3, 2005
Prague's public-transit system is something the city can be proud of. Sure, it's got its drawbacks, like the slow EU-norm escalators and the cluttered new vehicle interiors that must have been designed by someone who only travels by Audi. But overall, it's clean, efficient and reasonably priced. Now, though, city hall wants to double the price of a ticket to Kč 20-25. Mayor Pavel Bém made the announcement soon after a deal was cooked for extending the metro's green line to the airport at the obscene price of Kč 38bn. Preferred suppliers - some of whom are posting record profits - are salivating at the thought of another gravy train. Instead of squeezing better prices out of them (or cutting their own schmear money), city officials are raising ticket prices and angering potential voters. Makes us wonder whether Pavel Bém truly wants to move up in politics. [Czech Republic transportation subway ODS construction bribe council assembly municipal]