Trams in Szczecin

Trams in Szczecin

Tramwaje w Szczecinie
Moderus Beta type from 2014
Operation
Locale	Szczecin, Poland
Open	1879
Status	operational
Lines	12
Operator(s)	Tramwaje Szczecińskie (since 2009)
Infrastructure
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Electrification	600 V DC OHL
Statistics
Track length (total)	60 km
Route length	110,77 km
Stops	95
Horsecar era: 1879–1900 Status Converted to electricity Operator(s) Stettiner Straßen-Eisenbahn Gesellschaft Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Propulsion system(s) horses Depot(s) 3 Stock 20
Overview
Website	[1]

Trams in Szczecin is a 12-line, standard gauge tramway system in Szczecin, Poland that has been in operation since 1879 (when the town was Stettin, Prussia). The tramway operates on 60 kilometers (37 mi) of route. There are two depots and twelve balloon loops (including five street ones). Daytime lines (night lines were abolished in 1996) are operated by the company Tramwaje Szczecińskie (Szczecin Tramways), on behalf of the ZDiTM (Zarząd Dróg i Transportu Miejskiego; Road and Public Transport Administration). There is also a tourist line operated by the Szczecin's Association of the Enthusiasts of Public Transport.

On October 21, 1872, just before the demolition of fortress walls, German engineer Johannes Bussing received from the Royal Police Directorate in Berlin concession for the construction of a horse tram network. Less than six years later, have been signed an important agreement with the city. On March 25, 1879 had been established a company Stettiner Straßen-Eisenbahn Gesellschaft, which in the same year launched the first horse tram lines. On August 23, was opened the first line, which began nearby of current pl. Gałczyńskiego, lead through pl. Zwycięstwa and ended at Staszica Street. On October 16, was opened the second line from Wiszesława Street to Potulicka Street. The length of both routes rose to 11.5 km. Initially, in Szczecin have been 16 trams and 80 horses, and in 1898 were 39 trams and 198 horses. In 1886, were opened two new lines: from the Szczecin Główny railway station to Chmielewskiego Street and from Wyszyńskiego Street to Nabrzeże Wieleckie. The first depot was located at the intersection of current Wojska Polskiego avenue and Piotra Skargi Street. Later have been established another 3: at Dębogórska Street, Dubois Street and Kolumba Street.

From 1896 to 1900, most of lines have become electric traction. Electrification have been performed by Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft. The main tram routes had two tracks, the other routes had only one track. Electricity have been brought by power stations located in Pomorzany, Old Town and Gdańska Street. In 1904, except for colors, tram lines became also numbers:

In 1903 was built the first line, which crossed Odra and reached the right bank of city - it was opened a new line through Most Długi to current ul. Energetyków, and in 1910 through Most Kłodny to Wendy Street at Łasztownia. In 1907 was opened Niemierzyn depot (in Niemierzyńska Street), and 5 years later Golęcin depot (in Wiszesława Street). In 1926, after Wyspa Jaskółcza had been connected (at the back of Depot in Kolumba Street) with city, on the island have been located a storehouse. In 1927, after Dąbie Airport had been built, nearby have been constructed a new tram balloon loop. The tram route has led in those days through 4 bridges: Długi, Portowy, above Regaliczka (currently doesn't exist) and Cłowy. It has been the only one at the right bank of Szczecin, currently it doesn't exist. Before 1929, electric traction have been installed above bidges Długi and Cłowy. Earlier trams had been passing those bridges by increasing their speed in front of bridges. Because of inhabitants' requests, already working tram lines have been expanded. Average speed of trams was about 16 km/h. Since 1928, in Szczecin, apart from tram system, have been running also city buses. List of tram lines in 1929: