Křižík & Brožík Tram No. 18 from 1899

The oldest functioning electric tram in Central Europe and built in the workshop of Václav Brožík & František Křižík came from the first series of twenty trams manufactured for the City of Pilsen. It started regular service on June 29, 1899 – back then it was nicknamed “the mayor’s coach” – and was the very first tram to ride the streets of Pilsen. It is clear to understand why it attracts attention and causes people to stare in amazement: to this day it is equipped with a number of original unique parts from the workshop of coachbuilder Václav Brožík and legendary inventor František Křižík, who in his day created the blueprint for Pilsen’s municipal tram transportation network and supplied all the electrical equipment for this model tram.

The tram was overhauled and restored to its original 1899 appearance as part of the celebrations commemorating Pilsen’s 700th anniversary in 1995. In 1991, the Ministry of Culture declared the tram part of the nation’s cultural heritage. We take care of it as best we can, but we definitely do not want it to turn into a well-polished exhibit. It is still a tram that is a joy to see in the streets (especially in the city’s historical centre), and riding the tram is an unforgettable experience. It is also here to serve you...

Given its original wooden body, the tram understandably cannot be operated in the winter. If possible, plan your event for the period between spring and autumn. We will plan out the exact route for your unforgettable ride together with you according to the operations code for the historical tram.

ČKD T1 Tram No. 121 from 1956

As the first all-metal, large-capacity, four-axle tram featuring swivel bogies, T1 trams from the ČKD factory in Prague started to be supplied to Pilsen in 1955. By 1957 a total of 33 had been delivered to Pilsen, and due to a tram shortage, another 16 older T1 trams had to be purchased and brought in from Prague in the 1980s. The original Pilsen tram with registration number 121, manufactured in 1956, was preserved as a historical tram. The T1 tram is characterised by the way seats are organised lengthwise with passengers’ backs to the windows, the conductor’s post and the wooden slat floor. Let yourself be carried away...

ČKD T2 Tram No. 133 from 1958

The successor to the narrow T1s was the wider and more spacious T2 series tram. A total of 26 were supplied from the ČKD plant to Pilsen in the years from 1960 to 1962. Unfortunately, none of the original Pilsen trams were preserved, but thanks to the help of the Liberec Public Transit Company, we were able to obtain one of the last operational trams of this type and add it to our collection in 2006. For the 110th anniversary of public transportation in Pilsen, in 2009 it received a new red “coat” following a general overhaul and its interior was adapted to how many can still recall the tram looked when it rode the streets of Pilsen. It was assigned the number 133, and since the end of 2010 it can also boast of reproductions of the original upholstered passenger seats and a conductor’s cash till. We are gradually restoring the interior to its original appearance, but already now the tram is an attractive invitation to go for a ride together with the other historical trams. Try it yourself...

ČKD T3 Tram No. 192 from 1975

The next successor, the world’s most successful and widely used tram in history, was the T3 series tram manufactured by ČKD Prague. Due to regular updates of the electrical equipment, the installation of electronic information and ticketing systems, improvements to the interior, control and operation of the tram, the T3 would continue to be a dominant feature in numerous cities throughout the country and around the world for years to come. A total of 128 T3 trams featuring various modifications were delivered to Pilsen alone in the years from 1964 to 1987, and another 11 used trams were purchased from Prague in the 1990s. Our historical number 192 T3 tram is unique, though, as it is the original version. Even the interior is original: original laminate seats, fluorescent lights connected directly to the 600V tram network, partially open driver’s post, the original grooved rubber floor covering and classic metal signs. Even this red “grand dame of the rails” is here for you…

ŠKODA 9Tr trolleybus no. 323 from 1979

Škoda 9Tr trolleybuses were manufactured in 1961 – 1982 at the Škoda factory in Ostrov nad Ohří. A total of 722 vehicles were supplied to cities throughout the former Czechoslovakia. There were 153 ŠKODA 9Tr trolleybuses from different series and model lines which served Pilsen from 1961 till 1994. When the trolleybuses were operated, the majority were not overhauled and were replaced with new buses after nine to twelve years. Pilsen stopped operating 9Tr trolleybuses in June 1994; the last 9Tr operating in the country was taken off the road in Jihlava in May 1997. We were able to save this trolleybus with registration number 323, which had served the Pilsen network from 1979 until November 1991. After it was retired in the summer of 1993, it was sold in its entirety to the owner of the AIR-park museum in Zruč nad Sázavou, which served as a depository. Here it stood for three years and did not undergo any maintenance at all. On September 8, 1996, a member of the Škoda – Bus Club Pilsen purchased the trolleybus and started to restore it. In 1999, trolleybus no. 344 was purchased and served as a source for spare parts. Plzeňské městské dopravní podniky, a.s. bought trolleybus no. 323 in October 2010 and, after totally restoring the bus, added it to the company’s collection of historical vehicles. Book a ride in this unique trolleybus and remember the years of long ago with us…