Tram project

Tram project

The Miskolc Tram Project is more than a transport investment

In 2009, the construction of the great tram project, the “Green Arrow” of Miskolc was started, which is one of the biggest investment of the history of the city which concerned probably the highest number of people so far. The aim of the program was to establish one of the world’s most advanced tram transport in Miskolc.

The official name of the project was the “Development of the urban tram network of Miskolc” and it was implemented by the co-financing of the European Cohesion Development Fund, in the priority axis of the Transport Operational Programme. The legal, economic and technical preparation of the program financed by EU funds was started already in 2006. The completion of the entire program is expected by the end of 2015, with the renewal and construction of the total tram track network and the commissioning of the new combinations of Škoda vehicles.

The main elements of the program

The full reconstruction of the whole - 9.6 km long - tram track (between the final stops Tiszai railway station – Diósgyőr), the traffic, repair site and access tracks and of their accessories has taken place. In relation to this, the establishment and transformation of the passenger platforms and the existing final stop buildings and the reconstruction of the signalling, safety and passenger information devices.

The purchase of 31 pcs of low-flow tram vehicles - counted as one of the world’s most advanced vehicles - took place, at the selection of which public opinion counted the most, apart from the request for quotatios.

For the new and modern trams, the old repair hall and the maintenance base had to be adapted, as well. Thus, the establishment of the technical background necessary for it and meaning the safety had become a part of the program, too.

During the program, the important plan of the city’s management - according to which, in the long run, the tram network must be expanded towards Csanyik - has become realizable. Accordingly, the old tram network became lengthened with 1.5 kilometers and the line between Diósgyőr Terminal and Felső (Upper) Majláth was constructed. The existing terminal in Diósgyőr was transformed according to its new station function.

By this, the transport company and the city has taken the seemingly small, but technically very complex step by which the tram line of Miskolc has become further expandable towards the green areas of the city. The further construction of the tram track towards the green area surrounding the city is the combination of modern public transport and leisure activities, which is also a symbol of environmentally conscious urban development at the same time.

Some of the characteristics of Škoda trams:

  • They are 100% low-floor trams
  • They can be crossed along their full length
  • Ergonomic interior, flexibly cushioned seats
  • The sidewalls and the covering of their ceiling have sound and thermal insulation
  • The doors and partition walls are equipped with safety glass
  • The external and internal noise level is low
  • The entering height complies with the requirements of the act on equal opportunities – it is suitable also for people using a wheelchair and the transportation of bicycles
  • The passenger compartment and the driver’s cab is air-conditioned
  • The vehicle has two-way doors on both sides (4 pcs of two-lane doors and 2 pcs of one-lane door per side, for a quick exchange of passengers)
  • The braking energy is fed back to the overhead-line power supply system
  • The tram is equipped with modern passenger information system – there are internal displays and LED monitors on it
  • Instead of an external rearview mirro, an external camera shows the area next to the vehicle to the driver
  • State-of-the-art on-board system
  • It operates with automatic wheel flange lubrication, which means that the rail squeaking is eliminated in the arcs
  • It is suitable for external sand filling – it facilitates braking on a slippery track, it is not necessary to apply per bag and fill from the inside, just like in case of the current Tátra and SGP trams.
  • The tram is 265 cm wide, which means that it is much more spacious than the current vehicles.

Basic data

  • Completion of the investment: 30 June, 2016.
  • The total net budget of the project is HUF 37.7 billion
  • Source: European Union; Municipality of Miskolc, City With County Rights; Miskolc Városi Közlekedési Zrt.

Cooperating partners