Word on the Street: Transit fares

"This is nothing new. I have an Opencard, so I'm safe for a while, but who knows when that will get more expensive, too? Giving free fares to pensioners and children seems a fair deal, especially pensioners. They have been working for 40-50 years, so the state can finally give them something for free, right?"

Nico, waiter from Croatia

"I'm originally from Prague, but I've been living outside the capital for some time, and I'll tell you one thing: Traveling around Prague is more expensive than actually getting here all the way from Hořice. I don't understand why they want to give pensioners free fare from the age of 65 and at the same time they want them to work until 70. So they would be going to work for five years for free? That does not make much sense to me. And regarding free tickets for children ... How much does a child under 15 travel?"

Eva, unemployed

Nico

Eva

Pavel

Dagmar

Pavel

Vlasta

"I don't care. You can't do anything about it anyway. I travel by car, which may be more demanding, but at least there is more comfort. I won't comment on the Opencard thing; I'm totally fed up with it. You can't change anything in this country - only if another revolution takes place."

Pavel, business manager

"Increasing prices at this time is no good. I've got an Opencard, but what about other people? They will give up on buying tickets if the trend continues, and they'll end up buying an Opencard soon. In this country, you don't have much choice. They increase prices everywhere - gas, electricity. If you ask any common citizen, he wont be happy. The timing was really bad in this case."

Dagmar, civil servant

"This price increase seems like they are pushing people into buying the OpenCard. What about those who come here for work? Why would they buy an OpenCard if they only come and go? City Hall has come up with the idea of offering free fares to seniors and children just to have an excuse for increasing prices for the rest. It's just classic."

Pavel, student

"Tickets are already expensive. I use a car, which is much more convenient. Regarding the youth, if they make tickets free for them, at least there will be less drama with illegal passengers. I remember when my kids were small, we had to constantly deal with ticket inspectors and fines. I don't have the OpenCard because I don't need it. I believe that it's not essentially a bad thing - my colleagues use if for the library, and they are happy with it - but the affair behind it is another thing. I come to my office in the city center by car, and when I want to drink, I use the Blue Angel service."

Vlasta, travel agency director