The Cyklohráček train was in operation until 28th October and this was the very first season in which Czech Railways (ČD) and transport company ROPID have operated the train specially adapted as a mobile children’s play area on the line passing Okoř. In the end the demand for places on the Cyklohráček train exceeded the expectations of everyone who worked on the project. Special play-leaders take care of games aboard the train.
A record since 2007
This year the Cyklohráček train replaced the standard diesel trains which ran on this line at weekends in previous years. The table shows a comparison of the number of passengers carried by trains on the Prague – Hostivice – Podlešín – Slaný line since 2007, when the daytrip bicycle trains from Prague first began running. “We are extremely pleased that people have been attracted to Cyklohráček, and that it has become so popular with children,” said Pavel Procházka, who is in charge of ROPID.
Twice as many passengers
“Many of our youngest passengers have come back to the train time and time again during the season. If we consider that the Cyklohráček train has only been in operation since 17th May, and not right from the start of the season, and that there was a four week line closure when ČD had to stop trains half-way along the line, we can safely say that Cyklohráček has attracted 100% more passengers to the line under Okoř than the regular trains in past years. There has been great interest among families with children. Cyklohráček is therefore already being prepared for next season in Libeň depot, so it can set off for Slaný again in spring.”
The popular children’s corner
The greatest interest among children was in the carriage with the children’s play area, which was constantly full. Most passengers travelled from Prague to Noutonice station, which is a short distance from Okoř Castle. The number of passengers getting on or off the train at Noutonice during the whole season was almost 3000.
Play areas in long distance trains too
The number of cyclists using the train has also risen considerably. “Cyclists and children are our important customers. We are developing services for them on various trains throughout the Czech Republic and in Cyklohráček they have come together in a unique project,” says Ludvík Urban, Deputy Chairman of the Board of ČD. ”The number of passengers this year is proof that it was a very interesting idea. We are therefore also preparing more trains for cyclists and new services for our youngest customers in the new timetable, this time, for example, on our Railjet long-distance trains.”
St. Nicholas’ Cyklohráček
The Cyklohráček season may have ended, but in less than a month it will set off again. Within Prague’s St. Nicholas services the train will operate on Saturday 6th December and Sunday 7th December between Prague Main Station and Braník. However, in place of their colourful t-shirts and caps, the Cyklohráček play-leaders will meet the children wearing the costumes of the Angel, the Devil and St. Nicholas.
