Sähköraitiovaunu

Sähköraitiovaunu refers to an electric tram or streetcar. It is a rail vehicle that runs on tramway tracks along public urban streets. Trams are a form of public transport that have been in operation for over a century in many cities worldwide. The "sähkö" part of the term signifies that the tram is powered by electricity, typically drawn from overhead wires through a pantograph or trolley pole.

Electric trams offer several advantages, including being a relatively environmentally friendly mode of transport as they produce no local emissions. They are also efficient in moving large numbers of people, especially in densely populated urban areas, and can contribute to reducing traffic congestion. Their fixed routes can help structure urban development and provide reliable public transportation.

The history of sähköraitiovaunut began in the late 19th century, with electric trams quickly replacing earlier horse-drawn or steam-powered systems due to their efficiency and cleanliness. Many cities invested heavily in tram networks, which became a backbone of urban mobility. Over time, some cities replaced their tram systems with buses or subways, while others have maintained and modernized their tram infrastructure. In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in trams as a sustainable and attractive public transport solution, leading to the construction of new lines and the upgrading of existing ones in many parts of the world.