The Anonymous Widower

Riding Dresden’s Trains

Dresden’s Trams are an impressive network.

I took these pictures as I roamed around the city.

The trams are single-ended, with the rear of each tram configured so several people can sit in the tail. Many of these pictures were taken looking backwards.

I didn’t go to the end of a line, so do they go round in a loop or is each end of the tram convertible from driving position to four seats for tail-gunners? If it’s the latter, they would surely be ideal for somewhere like Blackpool, which runs another variant of Bombardier’s Flexity trams.

Note that nearly all Dreseden’s trams are low-floor models and unlike many other systems I have ridden, getting in and out is easy for all. I would say, that if you are in a wheel-chair and want to go to a historic city, then Dresden would be a place to put on your list. But make sure you check the arrangements, if you’re using the trains.

I didn’t see one, but Dresden’s tram network is possibly unique in allowing cargo trams to use the network. I think that we’ll see more developments around the world, where trams or even tram-trains are used to transport commercial loads. Look at a city like Manchester or Sheffield with an extensive tram netwqrk, that in future will call at major industrial parks and shopping centres. Would it be easier and cheaper to deliver goods for shops say to an outlying depot and then wheel them on to a low-floor tram for delivery to the shopping centre, where they are then wheeled off to the shop. This could be done at night, just as freight for shops and businesses is now delivered into Euston station.

June 14, 2015 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Dresden, Home Run From Krakow, Trams