The runway to the airport by the end of 2013, promised by the authorities and local government

Prague - After 17 years of disputes, representatives of the state and local administrations have agreed on the final variant of the railway connection to Prague airport. According to the memorandum signed today, the first passengers should travel by train to the airport during Christmas 2013. The line will run from the center of Prague to Kladno along the route of the Buštěhrad Railway, with a branch to the airport terminals.
    However, there are many unresolved questions regarding the airport line, known as AirCon. For example, the memorandum does not address the method of financing the construction and operation. According to Transport Minister Aleš Řebíček, there are several possibilities. One of them is a PPP project, meaning a public-private partnership, where the construction would be financed by a private company.
    According to the minister, PPP is primarily considered for the part of the line from the airport to Prague, while the section to Kladno will likely be financed by the state. "In the case of PPP, we would like the operator of the trains to be involved, not just the construction company," said Řebíček. In addition to private companies, funding might also come from a transport fund, regional budgets, or revenue from the privatization of the airport.
    Řebíček did not want to discuss the total costs yet, as it is unclear what all will be included in them. According to information from ČTK, about 28 billion crowns could go into infrastructure, namely tracks and stops. However, additional costs will be required for the rolling stock. As stated in the memorandum signed today, the line will be designed for a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour.
    Another unknown is, for example, the number of stops along the route or the terminal in the center of Prague. The most likely option is a terminal at Masaryk Station, but the main station is also considered, where a large portion of air passengers arrive from regional cities or Moravia. Part of the line between Veleslavín and Letná will be underground; other sections will run in soundproofed enclosures to prevent trains from disturbing the residents of Prague 6 and Prague 7.
    The memorandum was signed by Transport Minister Aleš Řebíček, Prague Mayor Pavel Bém, Central Bohemian Governor Petr Bendl, a representative of the Kladno mayor Miroslav Bernášek, and other representatives of state organizations and local government. "This is good news for Praguers; the future of Prague's transport lies in supporting rail transport," Bém said regarding this.
    The new rapid transit line has been discussed for many years, as Prague still lacks a satisfactory connection between the city center and the airport. The situation is to be resolved by AirCon and also the planned extension of Metro Line A. In addition to passengers, airport employees and citizens of the Central Bohemia region will also use the railway, with about 100,000 commuting to Prague for work daily.