Key Directions of the Modernization of Tram Systems in Central and Eastern European Countries

摘要

During the first introduction of tramways in 1870 to 1900 some 150 cities in central and eastern Europe, Russia, and Ukraine established their systems. After the end of the Second World War, in contrast with Western European cities, ridership in the central and eastern European countries (CEEC) grew by 600 to 900 rides per citizen per year. Unfortunately, after the political changes in the CEEC in the early 1990s, cities in these countries reduced the volume of network, number of vehicles, and quality of service. To prevent further degradation of tram systems in the CEEC, the International Union for Public Transport (UITP), during its 2004 Light Rail Conference in Dresden, Germany, signed the Dresden Declaration for the Prevention of Closure and the Need for Intensive Modernization of Existing Systems. The modernization process was performed through 1. Infrastructure modernization (track, power supply, and depots); 2. Traffic management modernization (segregation, priority on intersections, accessibility, and integrated fares); 3. Rolling stock modernization (capital refurbishment, purchase of new vehicles, and comprehensive maintenance); and 4. Company restructuring and management modernization. The ideas for modernization initiated after the Dresden conference were accepted in many cities in the CEEC.