In the heart of Central Europe, a silent revolution is unfolding beneath the wheels of trams, trolleybuses, and metro systems. A recent study, led by Martin Bárta from the Faculty of Science, has mapped and analyzed the spatial distribution and typology of electric public transport networks across seven countries, offering valuable insights for the energy sector and urban planners alike.
The research, published in ‘Prace Komisji Geografii Komunikacji PTG’—translated to English as ‘Works of the Commission on Communication Geography PTG’—presents a consistent methodology for identifying and evaluating continuous urban electric traction networks. By leveraging data from OpenStreetMap, enriched with official transport sources and field verification, Bárta and his team defined 113 integrated networks across Czechia, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, and Switzerland.
The study reveals that at least minimal electric public transport infrastructure was identified in 366 municipalities. “We found that larger and more urbanized cities tend to support more complex and denser electric transport systems,” Bárta explains. “However, there are exceptions influenced by historical and spatial factors, which makes this analysis particularly intriguing.”
The research introduces key indicators such as total network length and composite density, linked to standardized statistical units (LAU, NUTS). These metrics provide a robust database for further spatial and transport analyses, highlighting the value of network density as an indicator of public transport quality.
One of the study’s most compelling findings is the development of a seven-category typology that enables comparative assessment of network significance and urban transport potential across the region. This typology can be a game-changer for the energy sector, as it offers a clearer picture of where and how electric public transport networks are most effective.
“Using only urbanized areas yields more meaningful comparisons than relying on entire administrative boundaries,” Bárta notes. This insight could guide energy companies in strategically planning and investing in electric infrastructure, ensuring that resources are allocated where they will have the most significant impact.
The study’s methodology and findings are not only relevant to Central Europe but can be applied globally. This approach supports sustainable mobility research and planning, potentially shaping future developments in the field. As cities worldwide grapple with urbanization and the need for sustainable transport solutions, this research offers a valuable tool for informed decision-making.
In essence, Bárta’s work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and optimizing electric public transport networks, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable urban mobility. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these insights, as they navigate the complexities of electrifying public transport systems.