Historic trams passed through Prague, commemorating 130 years since the beginning of electric transport – ČT24 – Czech Television
“We chose according to that all the main types who traveled in Prague were represented, whether during the monarchy, during the First Republic and after the war, and at present. The first two sets are completely unique. Car 18 is from Pilsen, the set 109 and 526 is a museum, so it runs once every ten years, “said Petr Malík, head of the historical vehicle unit of the transport company.
The people of Prague took the electric tram for the first time on Saturday, July 18, 1891. The line led from the Letna chateau to the northern entrance to Stromovka. It was designed by inventor František Křižík. The route originally measured 766 meters, later extended to 1.4 kilometers.
The beginning of Sunday’s trip was in the Královka loop in Bělohorská Street. Trams started there at 7:15. Before the start, which was an hour later, dozens of enthusiasts inspected the cars. They were waiting for the tram column in places along the entire route around the Castle to Klárov, from the Malostranská station to the Old Town and along the waterfront to Palackého náměstí. The cars then headed for Charles Square and further to Wenceslas Square, Masaryk Railway Station, Dlouhá třída and Letná.
At the head was the oldest European serviceable electric tram from 1899, followed by cars from 1901 and 1908. Trams from the 50’s and 60’s or the current ones were not missing. The ticket cost 50 crowns. In the fanshop of the Prague transport company, those interested could choose which car they want to drive.
The remaining tickets, which were not sold online, could be obtained in the morning from the guides. But there were only places in new sets. But these passengers also had an unusual experience. Trams passed by the main monuments and important buildings. Hradčany, Rudolfinum, Charles Bridge, Dancing House or Art Nouveau Municipal House passed by. Traffic in the metropolis was not restricted due to the parade.
The ride ended at Letenské náměstí at 9:20. “At that time, the first tram of František Křižík started running and the driver Fiala headed for the royal park,” said Malík.