Tramvaje

Tramvaje are electric urban rail vehicles that run on tracks embedded in city streets and are designed for public transportation. The term is used in Czech and Slovak, and in English the vehicles are typically called trams or streetcars. Modern tram systems often integrate into city traffic, use overhead wires for power, and may include sections of dedicated track to improve reliability and speed.

The history of tramvaje began in the 19th century with horse-drawn streetcars, followed by steam-powered variants. Electric traction emerged in the late 1880s and 1890s, bringing quieter operation and higher speeds. Throughout the 20th century, many cities expanded tram networks, while others reduced or removed them in favor of buses or cars. From the 1970s onward, there was renewed interest in trams as a sustainable urban transport solution, leading to modern light rail and low-floor tram designs.

Technically, trams are powered by electricity supplied through overhead lines or, in some cases, ground-level power, with pantographs or other collecting systems. Vehicle designs vary in length, capacity, and track gauge, and contemporary models emphasize accessibility with low floors and step-free boarding. Traffic signal priority and dedicated street lanes help maintain reliable service. Some modern trams are capable of running for short distances without continuous overhead power, using onboard energy storage.

Tramvaje play a significant role in many cities by providing high-capacity, relatively low-emission transport that complements buses and metro systems. They continue to evolve with advances in energy efficiency, integration with urban mobility apps, and extensions to form larger networks.