Trams in Novi Sad

Novi Sad tram

Overview
Locale	Novi Sad
Transit type	Tram
Number of lines	2
Operation
Began operation	September 30, 1911
Ended operation	1958

The Novi Sad tram system was a tram system in Novi Sad, Serbia. It was in operation between September 30, 1911 to some time in 1958.

There are plans to build a new network which would be completed by 2030.

Origins and Demise

As Novi Sad developed, the need for mass transit grew. In 1868 the first plans for transporting people in chariots was present. As time went on the city grew more and the idea of installing a tram began to take form.^[1] Electricity was produced in the city starting in 1910, which allowed for the development of the electric tram which opened the following year.^[2] Initially there were 19 tram cars in the system, most of which were produced by the Ganz factory in Budapest. A couple were produced in Germany. Later on three more from the city of Slavonski Brod were obtained.^[3] The tracks were 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in) standard gauge.^[4]

The city continued expanding as it became the center of the Danube Banovina. In 1930 the city bought three buses, which became competition to the tram. Bombing of a power-plant during World War II, in 1944, knocked the Tram out of operation. Tram transport was once again reinstated on May 25, 1945.

The trams continued to be used until 1958, when they got replaced by buses,^[5] and it is fair to say that the buses pushed the tram out of operation.^[6]

Lines

Map of system.

There were two lines in the system.

• Line one, known as the white line, went from the Futoška Kapija to Termin Streen.^[7] This route went along the Temerin street, beside the Vladicanski Dvor through the center of the town, towards the banja and hospital where the end of the city used to be.^[8] An additional route went on this line, known as the Blue route went from Kupatila to Čenerja.^[9]
• Line two, known as the green line,^[10] went from where the former railway station used to be (currently the limanska market) to the end of the dunav street, which is by the coast of the Danube river.^[11]

Reintroduction

Map of the five lines as planned in 2011 for 2030.

In 2011, Novi Sad municipality unveiled plans to reintroduce a tram network. The idea first appeared in 1991. According to the feasibility study conduced in 2011, the network should comprise 5 lines, overlapping with each other. The lines would have a total length of 92.5 km, comprising 47 stations and a depot.^[12][13]

The first phase is estimated at 80 million euros, it encompasses the procurement of 25 trams (65 millions) and the construction of a 25.5 km line (15 millions), going from terminal "Zapad" to terminal "Liman IV" and passing by the city centre. Three other phases would follow, and the network would be completed in 2030.^[14] At that time, Novi Sad would have 50 trams, with a minimum capacity of 160 seats.^[15]

References

External links

• History of Public Transit in Novi Sad