Slovakia - Tram services over obscure routes

Introduction

Some tram systems advertise their depot workings and enable one to ascertain the regular use by passenger-carrying services of junctions or sections of line that do not otherwise see public service. This occasional series lists such services that have come to notice. While the data for each system is current at the date stated, it is not the intention to endeavour to keep every entry up to date at every service change - the listing serves as a guide for travellers as to the sort of services they can look out for, enabling them to check current published timetable material at their time of travel.

To assist in tracing services, the route and/or timetable number for each journey is shown in parentheses, e.g. (1). Days of operation are in English notation (respectively: Su, M, T, W, Th, F, S) - plus "O" for only, "X" for excepted. Su (Sundays) usually includes public holidays in mainland Europe - but check locally.

Listings for other systems throughout the world - in the same format as shown below (please include date of timetable validity) - will always be welcomed.

Bratislava

As at April 2015 IMHD

Vazavova East to South curve

• Route 2: Early morning SSuX Depot workings from Vinohrady to Nové Mesto ran in service but were not shown on stop timetables in June 2012. Full timings are not known but journeys departed the stop before the curve at 05.40 & 05.55.

Tram Tunnel west end

• Route 1 Chatan Sófe north to east. The riverside line in the old Town via Safarikovo nameste is currently closed, apparently linked to the Petržalka line construction so it is thought the current circular service via this curve to/from the now re-opened tram line to the main railway station is a temporary consequence.

Košice

• As at July 2020 there are journeys using rare curves on routes prefixed R2 & R8 to/from the US Steel Works for three times a day shift changes, plus the R6 is the only route scheduled to run in service to a stop in Bardejovská at the DPMK Depot entrance. Other tram routes may also use this 350m section and both curves of the approach triangle but any timings are not known. Additionally the R7 is the only route to terminate at the Amfiteáter loop.
• A Tourist horse tram may operate along a closed and unelectrified 1km section of the pedestrianised Hlavna in the city centre

Full details are on the DPMK website.