Bus Service to Ještěd Starting June 15

Starting June 15, the Liberec Region will begin trial operations of a new tourist route from Horní Hanychov in Liberec to the Ještědka parking lot. This will serve as at least a partial replacement for the cable car, which has been out of service since a tragic accident in the fall of 2021.

The Liberec Region, in agreement with the City of Liberec, had been preparing the alternative transportation project since the spring two years ago; however, without the necessary infrastructure investments, the route could not be launched. “The project is a joint effort by the Ministry of Transport, the City of Liberec, and the affected municipalities, in cooperation with many other authorities and institutions. I would therefore like to thank everyone who contributed to the creation of this project,” says Martin Půta, Governor of the Liberec Region.

“We had to address the challenge of extending the route to areas where there were no bus stops, and on roads that do not meet the standards for regular bus service. As part of the project, we faced many tasks and challenges,” explains Jan Sviták, the statutory deputy governor in charge of the transportation department. “We now have everything ready to launch pilot operations.” The route will begin operating on Saturday, June 15, and will be part of the IDOL integrated transportation system.

The route will be numbered 79 and will depart from the tram terminal in Horní Hanychov, where it will connect with the tram service. It will also stop at the “U lanovky” and “Na Výpřeži” stops, where—just like in Horní Hanychov—there are parking lots, and its final stop will be at the Ještědka parking lot. And why is the service referred to as a trial or pilot operation? “This season, we need to gauge passenger interest and, given the anticipated more complex traffic situation between Výpřež and Ještědka, also assess operational reliability,” explains Otto Pospíšil, managing director of KORID LK. The route will have a regular schedule, which will be expanded during the summer vacation period. “However, if we need to provide greater capacity, we’ll be ready—together with the carrier ČSAD Liberec—to increase service on the route and, if necessary, operate it as a shuttle with additional trips beyond the regular schedule,” added Pospíšil.

During this trial period, the route will be served by a 10.5-meter high-floor bus. “During the season, we are prepared to test several types of vehicles depending on how passenger demand develops,” says Martin Liška, Chief Operating Officer of ČSAD Liberec. The service was designed for a bus up to 12 meters long, but given the anticipated challenging operating conditions, a shorter bus is planned for the trial period. The vehicle can accommodate a stroller but is not suitable for transporting passengers in wheelchairs. “However, if there is sufficient interest, we would work with the carrier to find a solution to provide such service,” added Liška. Due to capacity limitations, bicycles and scooters cannot be transported.

The fare under the route-basedfare system is 60 CZK in cash or 48 CZK when paying by card. Passengers will be able to purchase a ticket via the Idolka mobile app or upon boarding public transit in Liberec. The price of the route-based ticket also includes travel on Liberec’s public transit system.

Joint press release from the Liberec Region and KORID LK