Study: The construction of a rapid transit line with a station in Brno would cost CZK 3.3 billion

Brno - The construction of the city rapid transit together with the project of the relocated train station and the reconstruction of the Brno railway hub (ŽUB) would cost 3.3 billion crowns. If the rapid transit were to be built separately after the hub is constructed, the price would be nearly six billion. This is stated in a study by Metroprojekt, which was commissioned by the city leadership and was provided to journalists today. The Greens are advocating for the construction of rapid transit together with the ŽUB. According to the mayor, it is too late to integrate rapid transit into the ŽUB project.
According to Deputy Mayor Martin Ander (SZ), the study confirmed that rapid transit can be integrated into the project of reconstructing the railway hub, one of the main points of which is relocating the train station about 800 meters to the south. The rapid transit would allow for the maintenance of operations at the existing station and enable tens of thousands of passengers to disembark in the city center.
The cost for the construction of rapid transit and the reconstruction of the ŽUB, namely 3.3 billion, is acceptable according to Ander. Who should bear the cost is a matter for negotiation. The tracks are owned and maintained by the Railway Infrastructure Administration (SŽDC), a state investor. "It would be inconceivable for Brno to be an exception and operate its own railway. There is a need to seek funding," he believes.
If the rapid transit were not to be built, all transportation costs for people from the new relocated station to the city center would fall on the city of Brno. "The operational costs of the Brno public transport company would increase by 150 million crowns annually due to the relocation," he stated.
However, according to Mayor Roman Onderka (ČSSD), before the study was prepared, the construction committee had already approved that the rapid transit would be a separate project. If the project were to be combined with the project to reconstruct the ŽUB, it would have to be completely redone. Among other things, the investor would have to reapply for an environmental impact assessment and other requirements that are already available.
Thus, the project would face further delays, estimated at three to five years. If the city wants to draw eight billion crowns from EU funds by 2013, it is not possible to combine the rapid transit with the ŽUB project, Onderka believes. "The delay would be so significant that we would not be able to draw these funds," he added.
The relocation of the station about 800 meters to the south has many opponents in Brno, who demand the preservation of rail transport in the city center. The project, with an estimated budget of about 20 billion crowns, also lost its zoning decision last December due to procedural errors, which will delay its preparation by at least a year.
The reconstruction of the Brno railway, which is related to the relocation of the station, is one of the most discussed construction projects in Brno in recent years. Last year, construction of the depot began, which, however, is not related to the final location of the station.