Prague Metro Begins Testing Contactless Sliding Cabin Doors

Post by : Amit

A New Chapter in Urban Transit: Prague Metro Embraces Contactless Door Tech

Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy (DPP)—the operator of the Prague Metro—has launched real-world trials of contactless sliding cabin doors on its flagship Line C trains. This forward-looking system, developed in partnership with Czech automation firms and European transit technology leaders, is designed to enhance passenger safety, reduce mechanical wear, and support post-pandemic hygiene standards.

The pilot represents a fundamental modernization of Prague’s aging metro infrastructure, marking the first time such fully contactless interior sliding doors have been installed in Central Europe’s busiest underground network. With ridership levels rebounding to pre-COVID figures—averaging over 1.5 million passengers daily—the capital's public transit system is now exploring how intelligent cabin systems can redefine the commuter experience.

What Sets These Sliding Doors Apart?

Unlike traditional door systems that require physical handles or buttons to operate, the new contactless sliding doors are equipped with infrared proximity sensors and gesture-recognition modules. These sensors detect when a passenger’s hand approaches and trigger a silent, gliding opening motion without any physical contact. Each door panel is embedded with a motion-sensitive actuator and linked to a central onboard controller, ensuring that doors only open when movement is detected within a specific zone—minimizing unnecessary openings and enhancing security.

Passengers simply wave a hand within a 10–15 cm radius of the sensor panel. In response, the door quietly slides open in less than 0.8 seconds, and it automatically closes after a timed delay or once the movement within the cabin ceases. A soft-close mechanism ensures that no abrupt force is applied, offering a safer experience for children, elderly commuters, and passengers with reduced mobility.

Cleaner, Safer, and Built for the Post-COVID Era

Though the Czech Republic has lifted most pandemic-era restrictions, the public’s demand for touch-free environments in shared spaces has remained strong. According to DPP’s internal surveys, nearly 74% of Prague commuters expressed concern over germ transmission through door handles and cabin surfaces. This insight prompted the metro authority to explore a contactless option as part of its broader 2025 modernization plan.

The new doors significantly reduce touchpoints, aligning with European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) guidelines for public transport. Each sensor unit also includes antimicrobial casing treated with silver-ion coatings, further lowering the risk of pathogen accumulation. The doors can even self-lock if unauthorized force or repeated waving attempts are detected—providing an added layer of safety in crowded conditions.

Technology Powered by Czech and European Innovation

DPP has collaborated with ELV Systemtechnik Praha, a Czech-German engineering firm specializing in rail electronics, and MetroTech Slovakia, a Bratislava-based mechatronics startup. Together, they designed a modular sliding door system that could retrofit existing trainsets without altering cabin layouts or electrical architecture.

The test installations have been carried out on four coaches running short loop services between Háje and Florenc, a busy corridor that combines residential, commercial, and interchange stations. These test cars are easily identifiable by their blue LED door perimeter lights and signage encouraging passengers to try the new hands-free doors.

According to DPP spokesperson Lucie Charvátová, the pilot phase will run for three months, after which the doors’ failure rate, passenger adoption, and operational feedback will be analyzed. If results prove favorable, a full deployment across the Metro C and A lines could begin by mid-2026.

Passenger Feedback So Far: Promising Signs

Within the first week of testing, over 18,000 passengers used the new doors. Initial surveys conducted at Florenc and I.P. Pavlova stations found that 88% of users preferred the contactless doors over the older models. Notably, frequent travelers and those with strollers or travel bags reported that the system improved boarding time and reduced cabin congestion during peak hours.

“I travel daily, and these new doors are fantastic. You just wave and walk through. No struggle, no noise,” said Daniela Novotná, a healthcare worker commuting between Vyšehrad and Muzeum.

DPP has also installed informational screens and audio prompts near the contactless doors to guide passengers unfamiliar with the system. The learning curve appears short, with most commuters adapting after a single use.

Retrofit Potential and Cost Considerations

Unlike some advanced door systems that require fully redesigned cabins or wider door openings, Prague Metro’s contactless sliding doors have been engineered for compatibility with 81-71M and 81-71K series trains—the backbone of Prague’s existing fleet. This allows the operator to minimize capital expenditures while achieving tangible modernization outcomes.

Each retrofit unit costs approximately €12,000 per cabin door, including installation, testing, and software integration. While this is higher than conventional mechanical replacements, DPP argues that long-term benefits—like reduced maintenance, lower mechanical failure rates, and enhanced hygiene—will offset the upfront costs within 5–6 years.

The doors also use low-friction magnetic track guides, which extend the unit lifespan and reduce energy draw by 18% compared to pneumatic or servo-motor-based sliding systems.

Future Integration with Prague’s AI Mobility Vision

The contactless sliding door program is part of a broader smart mobility roadmap envisioned by Prague’s city government. Under its Metro 2030+ vision, Prague aims to create a fully AI-optimized, sensor-rich transit system that can dynamically respond to crowd movement, accessibility needs, and even emergency situations.

By 2027, Prague Metro expects to link these cabin doors with passenger flow analytics, enabling real-time adjustments to door operation based on ridership density and platform congestion. Other potential features include emergency overrides, multi-language gesture commands, and mobile app-linked boarding prompts for passengers with disabilities.

“This isn’t just about doors—it’s about transforming how we enter, exit, and experience metro travel,” said Michal Fišer, lead innovation officer at DPP. “We’re creating a system that senses and responds.”

The Quiet Revolution in Urban Transit Design

As cities worldwide seek to build more hygienic, efficient, and responsive public transit systems, Prague’s embrace of contactless door technology stands out as a practical innovation with outsized impact. While major shifts like full automation or driverless metros often steal headlines, it’s these small, often-overlooked changes that most directly affect everyday passenger experiences.

For Prague Metro, the launch of contactless sliding cabin doors is more than just a test—it’s a declaration of intent. One that says the future of public transportation will be smarter, safer, and more human-centered, one doorway at a time.

Prague, Metro, Contactless Door Tech