Residents of the Košice district Nad jazerom (Nad Jazerom) will face continued inconveniences in public transport. The modernized tram line, which should ease daily trips, is fully ready but cannot start operating before the new school year begins. The reason is waiting for the final kolaudačné rozhodnutie (operating permit), without which the tram movement remains blocked. The local inspection of the facility is scheduled for September 11.
Why are trams not running?
Although test trams already ran on the new line at the beginning of August, and all technical checks confirmed its readiness, an official permit is required to start regular service. The city of Košice and the contractor submitted a request for kolaudácia (final approval) to the Košice Self-Governing Region (KSK) in July. KSK acts as a special construction authority for city railways, and without its decision, trams cannot run on the modernized line.
The inspection, which will determine if the facility meets all standards, will take place on September 11. If no complications or additional requirements arise during this check, the operating permit may be issued shortly after. In the past, for example, for the line on Trieda SNP street in 2018, KSK issued the permit just two days after the inspection.
What has been done?
The modernization covered almost seven kilometers of tram tracks. The project included not only updating the line itself but also building new stops, reconstructing roads, replacing the contact network, and creating the transfer terminal Važecká. Landscaping of the adjacent area was also done. During test runs, the track passability, contact network operation, power systems, pantographs, and other technical equipment were checked.
Plans for the future
The modernization of the line at Nad Jazerom is part of a broader plan to update the Košice tram network. The city is already preparing the next stages of work. For example, a public tender is ongoing for the modernization of the line on Alejová street, estimated to cost over 55 million euros. The launch of the updated line on Alejová is planned simultaneously with the line at Nad Jazerom. Reconstructions on Južná trieda street and in the Barca district are also being prepared.
These projects aim to increase the attractiveness of public transport and reduce traffic jams on Košice roads.
You can learn more about changes and public transport schedules on the transport page.
Source: kosicak.sk
