Kaliningrad is a city of trams, with an enriched history associated with trams. The trams have witnessed oodles of transformations that shaped the identity, culture, and politics of Kaliningrad. Today, trams serve as the core backbone of the Kaliningrad city's public transport.
Construction started in 1881 but the first tram service began in 1895. In the beginning, there were horse-drawn trams but later they were replaced by the electric trams that are still in use today. The network reached its peak in 1937, with 15 routes and a total length of 102 km (63 mi).
The tram system survived the devastation of World War II when the city was annexed by the Soviet Union and renamed Kaliningrad. The Soviet authorities gradually replaced the German trams with Soviet-made models, such as the Tatra KT4 and the Tatra T4. The network also underwent some changes and reductions, as some lines were closed or replaced by trolleybuses and buses.
In 1990, the Kaliningrad Oblast became part of the Russian Federation, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The tram system also shifted to the Russian jurisdiction, and faced new challenges and opportunities in the post-Soviet era.
Today, there are 40 trams in Kaliningrad, operating on two major routes: route no. 3 and route no. 5. The network has a total length of 21.5 km (13.4 mi), and serves 44 stations. The trams are a mix of old and new models, reflecting the diverse influences and sources of the Kaliningrad tram system. There are four types of trams in Kaliningrad right now: Corsair, Pesa Swing, Tatra KT5, and German Deuwag.
• Corsair (Made in Russia) is the newest and most innovative tram in Kaliningrad, introduced in 2018. It is a low-floor articulated tram, designed and manufactured by the Russian company PK Transport Systems. It has a modern and sleek appearance and can carry up to 200 passengers.
• Pesa Swing (Made in Poland) is a low-floor single-section tram, produced by the Polish company Pesa. It was delivered to Kaliningrad in 2012, as part of a fleet renewal program. It has a capacity of 120 passengers and is equipped with a video surveillance system and a wheelchair ramp.
• Tatra KT5 (Made in the Czech Republic) is a high-floor articulated tram, built by the Czech company ČKD Tatra. It was imported to Kaliningrad in the 1980s and 1990s, and is still in service today. It has a capacity of 140 passengers, and is a reliable and durable tram, but also outdated and uncomfortable.
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• German Deuwag is a historic tram, dating back to the 1930s. It was originally manufactured by the German company Duewag, and operated in Königsberg until 1945. It was then preserved and restored by the Kaliningrad tram enthusiasts, and is now used for special occasions and public holidays. It is a rare and valuable example of the pre-war tram heritage of the city.
The Kaliningrad tram system offers a scenic and convenient way to travel around the city, as it covers some of the most important and attractive areas and landmarks. Route no. 3 connects the South Railway Station, the City Center, the Upper Lake, the Lower Lake, and the Kaliningrad Zoo. Route no. 5 connects the Sovietsky Prospect, the City Center, the North Railway Station, the Upper Lake, and the Lower Lake. Along the way, the passengers can enjoy the views of the historic and modern buildings, the parks and gardens, and the waterways and bridges.
The Kaliningrad tram system is a unique and fascinating example of how trams can connect and reflect a city's past, present, and future.
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6 авг 2024
