TRAMWAY MODERNIZATION IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

During the process of the first introduction of tramways in the period 1870 -1900 some 150 cities in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Ukraine settled their systems. The technological level of this systems are similar with a level of new tram systems introduced in Western Europe and USA. During the time, especially after the end of Second World War in contrast with Western European countries the mobility in public transport in CEEC continuosly growth generating unbelievable amount of 600-900 rides per inhabitant per year. After the political changes in CEEC countries in early 1990’s, significant degradation of the size of tram systems was happened. Many cities reduce the volume of its network, reduce the number of vehicles and quality of service. In order to prevent further degradation of tram systems in CEEC countries, International Union for public transport (UITP) during the Dresden Tram/LRT conference in 2004, signed the Dresden Declaration about the prevention of tram closured and intensive modernization of existing system. The tramway modernization process usually consist of following key actions: - Infrastructure modernization (track, power supply, depots) - Traffic Management issues (segregation, priority on intersections, accessibility, integrated fares) - Rolling stock issues (capital refurbishment, purchase of new vehicles, energy saving. Comprehensive maintenance - Modernization management and financing Some of ideas in this modernization process will be presented, such as: - Bucharest – conversion of tram line 41 into fast and realiable LRT line 41; - Budapest – introduction of 52 m tram unit on the Grand Boulevard (transporting over mill passengers per year on line 4 and 6; - Dresden (former Eastern European City) – moving tram track in centre of street and making joint tram/bus station platforms for easy interchange; - Belgrade - comprehensive modernization including repositioning of tracks, priority measure and introduction of new low floor tramways; - Warsaw and Krakow – New track modernization, rolling stock replacements with local manufacturers and introduction of energy saving vehicles (capacitors); - Prague – Capital renewal of existing rolling stock combined with introduction of low floor vehicles, special stick for visually disabled passengers, construction of new tram sections;