Istanbul Modern Trams 2010
YouTube name: michaelinlondon.
Language: Turkish.
Date: July 2, 2010.
City: Istanbul (Turkey).
The video shows
Metro Istanbul
Operational
Istanbul Nostalgilinje T2: Tasím - Tünel (ex Nostalgilinje T5)
Operational
Istanbul regional line T1: Kabataş - Bağcılar
Operational
Description
Istanbul's old tramway closed in 1966. The modern tramway opened in stages from 1992. Trams returned to the Galata Bridge in 2005. Cars are standard gauge Bombardier Flexity Swift, with additional Citadis trams on order (2010).
The system operates more like a street-level metro. Passenger entry is by closed platforms with token operated barriers. (There is also a handy re-chargeable key fob, why can't we have that in London?) Track is almost entirely private right of way or tram-only streets.
In 2006 the line was extended east to Bağcılar using the ABB high floor vehicles originally supplied for the project. Through running is not possible at present due to the difference in platform height, so passengers must change cars at Zeytinburnu. This section of tramway is called Line T2.
A third modern tramway is now open in the north of the city. Istanbul also operates two separate "nostalgic" routes using restored vintage trams.
