The history of Leningrad tram

1.

THE HISTORY
OF LENINGRAD
TRAM

2. TRAM SYSTEM

Tram system was created at 29 of
October in 1907. Then in 1980 it became
the biggest tram system in the world,
that's why it was included into "The
Guinness Book of World Records".

3. STARTING POINT

The history begins from the receiving the first rail transit named "konka" in
1860. Originally, it was used as a carriage of goods, but since August 27 1863
people have started to transport first passengers. There were around 30
passenger lines covering the central territory from Nevsky and Sadovaya streets
to Admiralteyskaya square, Vasilievsky island and Nikolaevsky bridge.
The monument to the memory of the first
tram was erected in 1894 near its first line.

4. THE NEW VEHICLE REPLACED HORSECARS

The first demonstration of an electric tram in Saint Petersburg occurred on August 22,
1880.Fyodor Pirotsky, an engineer who demonstrated the tram to the public, hoped that
the Horsecar Stock Company, which possessed a monopoly on all rail transportation in
the city, would consider replacing traditional horse-drawn rail carriages with electricpowered ones. Despite the fact that all tests were successful, Pirotsky's proposal was
dismissed on the grounds that equipping existing tram tracks for electric traction and
purchasing or building compatible tram vehicles would be too expensive.
In the winter of 1894, electric tramways
came back to Saint Petersburg. This time,
however, they ran on tracks over ice (during
winter season) covering the Neva river. An
electric public transit company was formed,
and several routes crossing the river in
various places began regular operation.

5. THE SIEGE OF LENINGRAD

Leningrad tram was going through difficult times… On 8 of December 1941 trams
stopped because of the lack of electricity caused by the siege of Leningrad. Trams
suddenly stopped in the middle of streets and have been standing there for many
months. Grim, cold snowbanks…
Fortunately, on 15 of April 1942 trams started moving again. Drivers risked their lives
for saving exhausted citizens. These trips sometimes became the last for many
people.

6. REAL HELPERS

Also, trams were basically saviors of
trolleybuses in Leningrad. The main task
was to move trolleybuses from streets in
order to avoid their destruction from
bombardments. So, it was decided to
pull trolleybuses off to park with the
help of trams. Thus, many vehicles have
been saved. The memorial tablet to the
memory of workers who have serviced
public transport these years was erected
near Fontanka river.

7. DIFFICULT TIMES OF 90S

Unfortunately, in 1990s the funding of tram service was declined, that’s why the
number of drivers was decreased, wagons weren’t renovated and were in terrible
state. All these factors has led to reduction of passengers. It has been solved that it’s
necessary to close many lines to reduce losses. Hundreds of kilometers of tram ways
were dismantled and the plant, which produces trams, has gone bankrupt.

8. MODERN TRAM

In 2018 in St. Petersburg the first private tram was opened. It
has an interesting name “Chizhik”. All wagons are equipped
with modern, comfortable seats and, by the way, the trams are
very fast.

9. THE ROLLING STOCK IN ST. PETERSBURG

All trams were replaced with trams of local production, the MS and MSP series. These
cars during blockade saved a lot of people who have not got any strength to go. These
trams were quite light and, in need cases, people could push them. They went until the
end of 1960s.
"Dandy". This tram moved almost silently and quickly enough. Leningrad residents have
literally fallen in love with these trams because of soft seats (sofas) and stylish interior,
that’s why it was called “Dandy”.

10. TRAMS IN CULTURE

“The Tram” journal
“The Master & Margarita” by Bulgakov

11. ONE OF MANY VERSES

One of the twain was long and dusty
grey,
And like a spark that in the ashes lies,
Satiric laughter glinted in his eyes
And made his nose auroral with its ray:
The other like a huge black bird of prey,
His hat enorm, his pipe of awful size,
His coat hung empty-sleeved in careless
wise,
Loomed a fat angel from the pit astray.
A voice was booming ever: laugh and
jeer
Mingled with noble praise of battling
right,
And verse and girls were mixed with
radiant beer
And all the city tram was given sight
Of the invisible dark and bidden hear
Unsplashing silence of the pouring light.
• John Le Gay Brereton

12. SONGS

13. HELPFUL TIPS AND RECOMENDATIONS

The best way to see some of the main tourist
sites and enjoy a fairy-tale scenic view of the
imperial city by tram would be to catch the trams
№14 and №1 near the main road Nevsky Prospekt.
Trams runs from 6 am to midnight on a daily
basis.
Keep in mind that as with the buses when
you take a tram in Russia on your own it can be
confusing and difficult if you don't speak the
Russian language. So I recommend you to go with a
local friend or tour guide.
If you decide to enjoy a ride by tram make
sure you pay the conductor in small notes or coins
only. A fine applies if you refuse to pay!