Brno - Tramway History

BRNO, TRAMWAY HISTORY

Opening Date	17.08.1869
Gauge	1435 mm
Voltage	600 V dc
Maximum Track Length	76,4 km (1994)
Current Track Length	76,4 km, 2,2 under constrcution, to be opened 1999/2000
No.Of Cars	320, approx.
No.Of Depots	2
Maxumum No.Of Lines	22 (1988-1992)**
Current No.Of Lines	13 **, of those 8 runs 24 hrs a day

** in 1994 they change their Line strategy, on most track there now runs
only one line approx. each 5 mins, while sooner there were approx. 3
lines, each one runs with 12-15 mins.

Brno, now second biggest city of Czech Republic with approx. 390000 inhibitants, 'capital' of Moravia (eastern part of Czech Republic) operates now with big network, probably most progressive in last years. In 1839 Brno celebrates one of the first railway lines in (continental) Europe, railway line from Vienna. 30 years ago history repeated once again, Brno opened one of first european horse-drawn tramways. Vienna, capital of old Austrian Monarchy opened their tramway in same year - but Vienna had approx. 260.000 inhibtans in that time, Brno only 58.000! Length of track was quickly expanded to 14,4 km in 1870. Although cars were fulfilled with travellers (especially on Sundays), company went bankrupt in 1875.

In 1876 new company formed again, but they started to operate with steam-tramway for goods transportation, while horsecars remained only for passengers. This company was more successful than first one, but also went bankrupt in 1880. For the third time company was successfull. In 1883 they rebuilt tracks for steam locomotives and on 28.May 1884 they started to operate on 10 km length track (with two lines).

In 1890 a proposal to rebuilt steam tramway to petroleum tramway was given to company, but was rejected. First attempt to built electric tramway here was held in 1897. One year ago, tramway company was sold to city and city immediately started to rebuilt whole network to electric tramway. Last steam locomotive runned on 20th June 1900. Next day electric tramway began. Length of network was increased from 10 to 24km in 1910. Most of the new cars were self-built by the company.

After WW1 new stock-limited company was formed here to operate with network, approx. 60 % of stock was owned by city. Tramway expanded to newly built suburbs and in 1939 had 54 km of track. Tramcars were completely renewed in this period. They were built with co-operation of CKD Ringhoffer (Tatra Works) and Zbrojovka Zidenice, this factory built body of tramcar.

In the time of WW2, was network slightly expanded, very important route through Pekarska street was opened, so tramways needn't to run through historic centre. Also, local railway line to Lisen was rebuilt to tramway. After WW2 was network badly damaged. Because overhead wires were destroyed, steam locomotive No.10 "Caroline",built 1885 went back to service for two months!

Few tracks was abandoned, but new tracks were built, so in 1951 Brno had 62 km of network. In 1948 last two-axle tramways from Zbrojovka Zidenice were delivered. In the 50's city renewed their tramcars with new progressive tramcars of class T2. 94 tramways of this type were delivered till 1961. Surprisingly, no tramways of T1 class were here in service.

In 1963 new tramcars of T3 arrived. City wanted tramways with bigger capacity. Tatra Works developed articulated tramways of type K2 in the mid of 60's. First prototypes were tested here in 1965, and between 1966 and 1977 city purchased 132 tramways of this type, so they operated biggest amount of them in Czech Republic. These tramways are still most typical for Brno.

Although all Czech cities in end of 60's shortened their network, not here in Brno. Brno was the only city with uninterruptable expansion of track after WW2. There was only one exception, local railway to Lisen was closed in 1964. (about Lisen's museum see 'Czech tramway musems'). New housing estates in Brno also were connected with tramway, eventually with trolleybuses. Last (big) track was opened in 1989, short connection line was opened in 1994). Additional 2,2 km is under construction. City purchased new KT8D5 tramways, 28 pcs is in service. Now are tramways renewed with T6B5 type. City also wants to buy new low-floor tramways of RT6N1 type, maybe this year too.

City operates following tramways:

1470+1462 Last unit of T2 tramcars of T2 type. These two vehicles ought to be scrapped in 1998
1495..1668 Tramcars of T3 or T3SUCS. Mostly in service
1001..1132 Articulated tramways of K2. 126 still in service
1701..1728 KT8D5 Tramcars. One withdrawned after accident
1201..1220 New T6B5 tramcars, delivered 1995,1996
1729..1735 KT8 tramcars with low-floor mid section
1801-1804 RT6 low floor tramcars

City also tries to renew their old tramways. Tramcar T3 no.1615 was rebuilt in 1993-1994 to new type T3MB with new body, renewed electricity, etc. There was hope to rebuilt approx. 70 tramcars to this state, but only 11 was prepared until end of 1997. Also, K2 tramcars should be renewed this way. First prototype was rebuilt in Pars DMN Sumperk works (small city approx. 120 km norhtern from Brno) and was given to service in Brno. Additional batch of 6 similar tramways sas reneved later. There are plans to order new KT8 tramways (for new line to Lisen). They should be delivered with low-floor medium part in 1998/1999.

Tramways and trolleybuses together operates approx. 65% of all transport amount, while only 35% is served by busses!

PHOTOS:

For the information about museum or historic vehicles please click on links