The tram number 203 shown in the video is a ČKD Tatra KT8D5 type made in 1990. In the year of its production it was already in service in Košice, Sloviakia, with the number 524, where it was in service until August 1992. It was no longer needed in Košice, but it was very much needed in Miskolc. So it was brought to Miskolc at the age of only 2 years, together with several others, to replace the old FVV CSM-2 type and part of the CSM-4 type. In Miskolc, the KT8D5s were in service until 2015, when they were completely replaced by the Škoda 26T type.
A total of 18 Tatra trams were in operation in Miskolc, 15 of which were bought by Prague after they had been retired in Miskolc. They were refurbished and are in operation in the city. In Miskolc there are therefore 3 left. The 202 is the Christmas tram, the 203 is a backup vehicle, while the 209 is a heritage tram since 2022, repainted in its original red and white colour with leather seats.
Officially, all 3 Tatras are public service vehicles (unlike the SGP and FVVs) so officially all three trams could be in service any day now. Of course, there is no need for this, because with the timetable that has been constantly cut in recent years, there is already a big surplus of Škoda trams. The last time a Tatra was needed was when a lightning struck the tram depot on 1 September 2020, leaving 11 Škoda trams unusable.
However, to keep their type certificate, tram drivers must drive a certain number of hours on this type every year. This is why every year in November, the KT8D5 No 203 runs for a month. This year was no different, it was nice to spend another month of nostalgia with this beauty :)
Filmed on Friday, 24 November, 2023
Kuupäev:
24 november 2023 a.
TransPhoto
Miskolc
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