Prague's iconic red tram and bus signs set to disappear, starting this spring

Prague is continuing a long-planned overhaul of its public transport signage, with the city’s iconic red tram and bus stop signs set to be replaced by a darker, graphite-colored design.

The first new signs will appear this spring at the recently completed Dvorecký Bridge stops, marking the beginning of a gradual citywide rollout. Earlier prototypes of the new signs had previously appeared at some locations in the city.

City officials say the updated stops will blend more seamlessly into public spaces, provide extra room for timetables and information, and eventually include digital panels displaying real-time departures.

The new signs are part of the Legible Prague project, which aims to modernize and simplify public orientation and information elements throughout the city. The initiative has been in development for several years, with prototypes previously tested at Palackého náměstí, Staroměstská, and Nádraží Libeň.

Filip Drápal, spokesperson for Prague Integrated Transport (PID), said the Lihovar stop beneath Dvorecký Bridge was selected for the first full-scale deployment due to architectural requirements.

“The new design follows the citywide visual identity and will replace the 1980s-era signs currently in use. It’s taller, looks more refined, and allows for the installation of digital departure panels,” he told Novinky.cz.

The signs’ shape and color have been carefully designed to match other new installations at tram and bus stops, including shelters and benches. They will also offer more space for printed schedules and additional passenger information.

Alongside the main design, a lighter version is being tested for less busy stops on the outskirts of Prague and in the Central Bohemian Region. Once fully approved, this new system is expected to become the standard for all new or reconstructed stops.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Jaromír Beránek emphasized that the update is part of a broader modernization of Prague’s transport information system. In addition to stop signs, the city has revised metro signage and shelter designs to improve usability and accessibility for all passengers, including the visually impaired.

Not every change will be immediate. Existing red signs will remain in use until stops are reconstructed or new ones are added. This phased approach ensures minimal disruption to passengers while gradually modernizing the city’s transport network.

By the end of 2026, the city expects to add around 70 new digital departure panels, supplementing the current 152. Information inside vehicles will also show transfer options and schedules for connecting routes, giving passengers a clearer view of available services.

For many Praguers, the red stop signs have long been a familiar part of the cityscape, displaying historic tram and bus models. While the updated design marks the end of an era, officials say it will better serve the practical and visual needs of today’s urban environment.