Trams in Zwickau, Germany: Where Tatra trams meet diesel trains | 2024

In 1894, the electric tram was inaugurated in the saxonian city of Zwickau. More routes and extensions were opened in the following years. In 1975, the network declined drastically, with only line 4 remaining. However, the construction of line 3 started in 1986, serving several residential areas and the local college. Since 2019, the branch to the Hauptbahnhof (central station) is closed due to bad track condition.

Between 1986 and 1989, a total of 27 articulated Tatra KT4D trams reached Zwickau, 17 of which are still in service after an extensive modernization in the 1990s. Starting in 1993 followed the delivery of twelve GT6M low-floor trams. While the GT6Ms will remain in service, six new trams were ordered to replace the KT4Ds.

A special feature of the Zwickau tram is the "Zwickau model": Since 1998, diesel trains from the suoorunding area use a section of tram line 3 to reach the city center. For that, a triple-rail track section and specially adjusted diesel trains are needed.