A real convenience when using the public transportation system in Prague is being able to purchase transport tickets using a cell phone. Back in November 2007, the Prague Public Transit Co. (Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy) started offering the service SMS Ticket (SMS jízdenka). If you send the text message “DPT” to the number 902 06 26, you will receive a text message back that includes a unique code and 26 CZK will be deducted from your phone credit.
The price of the ticket is the same as a regular transfer ticket, but instead of 75 minutes of use, you get 90 minutes. Be aware that it is only possible to buy an SMS ticket if you have a SIM card from one of the Czech mobile phone companies. Even if you have a Czech cell phone, it might be necessary to activate your carrier’s premium SMS service. That is what happened to me. Always keep a paper ticket around just in case.
You can see the service being promoted on trams, at tram stops and in metro stations. The service has proven to be very popular. It received the Czech @ Award and the service has helped reduce the number of “involuntary or occasional illegal passengers”.
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