Liberec Tram (2016)

Description

Tram of rails gauge 1000 and 1435 mm.

In the final episode of the Czech low-floor series, you will learn what it's used for: three tram tracks in the city. What is the purpose of this object with a massive clock on the facade? What can hurt us inside the vehicle that we probably don't expect, and why not? I spent 11 days riding an intercity tram, covering seven tram networks, three trolleybus networks, and one metro system in the Czech Republic. We are in Liberec, a city with around 100,000 residents. Located in the Western Sudetes on the Neisse River valley, where the lowest point is 325 meters above sea level. The terrain varies greatly here, with the highest elevation reaching 102 meters. This mountain is located southwest of Liberec, and on its slope is a ski jumping complex that has hosted World Cup competitions. Ferdinand Porsche was born on the Neisse River during WWI, which is now part of the Czech Republic. This Porsche has to handle challenging slopes. The trams on a network stretching 100,000 meters must also tackle challenging inclines. Located 21.5 km from Prague, the network was launched in 1897 as an electric system. It can be divided into intercity and urban parts. The network utilizes a three-rail system, with five lines running on it: the historic Line 1, the shortened variant of Line 2 called TR, and Line Pi, which is an urban extension of Intercity Line 11. About 65 trams operate on this network, mostly Tatra T3 models of various types.

There’s also an Evo 2 tram, which I haven't seen in the city— a shame because it's one of the few Czech tram models that are entirely low-floor. Why does the Liberec section have three rails? Please don't confuse it with the metro conductor rail because, naturally, the regular power lines also hang above the tracks. Initially, the entire tram network was narrow-gauge, with a 1000 mm gauge, similar to those in Łódź and Toruń. In the 1980s, the idea of standardizing tram production for Czechoslovak cities emerged, with the standard gauge of 1435 mm prevailing. A gauge change was initiated in Liberec, but it remained within the city limits, allowing both gauges to stay in place to facilitate easier routing for both urban and intercity lines. However, trams have different bogie gauges and can’t run on all lines. The vehicles are even marked with their gauge on the inside front and back.

There’s also a permanent list of stops for each route, showing which vehicles serve which lines. This allows travel from Liberec to nearby Jabłoń nad Nysą, a route only 12 km long. The trip takes 32 minutes at an average speed of 22.5 km/h, making it more of a slow tram or perhaps just a slightly faster one. The intercity section includes single-track segments with passing loops along the Lusatian Neisse River. Unfortunately, when I left, the route was under renovation, and a row of apple trees lined the tracks. I had to take a replacement bus. The renovated track segments feature rails on special steel sleepers, which help dampen vibrations near buildings. The tracks are also set up for future gauge changes from narrow to standard gauge. In Liberec's center, near the Old Town, you'll see the distinctive, elongated ZEM NAAC building, which serves as a symbol of Liberec Public Transport. Surrounding it is the Figowa transfer hub, featuring bus stops, and approximately 100 meters away are tram stops. Most city bus routes and all tram lines stop at this location. The facility includes a space for the Municipal Police, a passenger service point, ticket machines, and shops.

No one anticipated that someone might put syringe tips in the seats of public vehicles. Liberec faced an issue with minor passenger injuries and posted warnings in the vehicles. If such an incident occurs, it’s essential to report it immediately. Maybe it's time for a tram party. Last year, on select Fridays or Saturdays, the Party Tram ran along the NER 2 line in the evening and at night. After selecting passengers, a security guard handed out tickets from the hostess, and they could join the party. At the back of the car, there was a bar table with a bartender and a DJ getting the festivities started. Between the seats, there was ample space for a dance floor.

Stops

Lidové sady → Dolní Hanychov → Šaldovo Náměstí → Rybníček → Nádraži → Fügnerova → Viadukt → Vratislavice výhybna → Jablonec nad Nisou → Horní Hanychov.

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