For years, summer tram rides in Košice meant heat and open windows. But now, the situation is starting to change: the first fully modernized tram with air conditioning has hit the city's tracks. This is long-awaited news for passengers, although in Bratislava, similar comfort has been the norm for over ten years.
The transport company of the city of Košice (DPMK) presented the result of a large-scale renovation. This is not a new tram car, but a deeply modernized old tram of the KT8D5.M type. The project cost the city a considerable sum, but it promises to significantly improve the quality of public transport journeys.
What has changed, besides the air conditioning?
Although the main new feature is the air conditioning system, the modernization has affected almost all aspects of the tram car. This is a comprehensive update that turns an outdated vehicle into a modern means of transport.
Main changes inside the tram:
- Completely new interior: new seats have been installed, and the floor and interior lining have been updated.
- Modern information system: new displays have been added for passengers, showing the route and upcoming stops.
- USB charging ports: now you can charge your phone or other gadget during the ride.
- Increased safety: the tram has been equipped with a new control system, brakes, and anti-slip floor covering.
The exterior of the tram car has also received an updated design in the DPMK's corporate colors.
How much did it cost and when can we expect more?
Modernizing one such tram is a significant investment. According to media reports, the project cost almost 1.8 million euros.
Before the tram begins to regularly carry passengers, it must undergo a series of tests. It will have to travel thousands of kilometers on test routes without people to check the reliability of all systems. Only after successfully completing the tests will it be released on the line.
Currently, this is only the first modernized tram car. Plans for updating the rest of the fleet are not yet detailed, but this project is a pilot and shows the direction in which the city's public transport will move.
Košice is catching up to the capital
The appearance of the first tram with air conditioning in Košice looks particularly contrasting against the backdrop of Bratislava. In the capital, similar trams began to appear back in 2015, and today a significant part of the MHD (municipal public transport) fleet is equipped with climate control systems.
The difference in the pace of transport modernization between the two largest cities in Slovakia is often explained by different funding volumes and access to European funds. However, for residents and visitors of Košice, the arrival of even one comfortable tram is a positive sign. Although it is only the first step, it gives hope that comfortable journeys on public transport will soon become the rule, not the exception.
