raitiovaunun

A raitiovaunu, commonly translated as tram or streetcar, is a rail vehicle designed to operate in urban environments on rails embedded in public streets. Most are powered by electricity collected from overhead lines using a trolley pole or pantograph, and traction motors drive the wheels. Some systems employ alternative energy sources, such as ground-level power supply or batteries, but overhead wire systems remain the standard. The vehicles run on standard or metre gauge tracks and can operate singly or in multiple-car formations.

Trams come in various configurations: single cars, double-ended units, and articulated multi-section vehicles. They can be railcars with passenger cabs at one end or double-ended with doors on both sides. Modern fleets emphasize low-floor construction for accessibility, modular interiors, climate control, and energy efficiency. Propulsion is typically electrical with regenerative braking, and braking systems may combine dynamic, pneumatic, and friction braking. Vehicles are designed to operate alongside road traffic with shared rights of way, signaling, and dedicated tracks where available.

Historically, electric street railways emerged in the late 19th century, replacing horse-drawn trams and contributing to urban expansion and mobility. Over the decades, tram technology evolved from heavy, rigid cars to lightweight, high-capacity, low-floor designs. In many cities, modern tram networks have been rebuilt or expanded in recent decades as a sustainable urban transport option, often integrated with buses and metro systems. The raitiovaunu remains a common sight in cities around the world, valued for its capacity, smooth ride, and ability to operate in dense street networks.