Historic “Mevro” Tram Back in Service After Nearly 60 Years

The iconic “mevro” tram, registered as number 3098, is making a return to Prague’s public transport network after almost six decades.

The Prague Transport Company (DPP) has completed a thorough restoration of this historic tram and plans to deploy it on historic tram routes 41 and 42.

Originally manufactured in 1948, the “mevro” was introduced to coincide with the All-Sokol Festival and the International Radio Exhibition, events that contributed to its famous nickname.

A Pioneering Design in Prague’s Transport History

The “mevro” tram represents a key chapter in the evolution of public transport in Prague. It was the final model of two-axle motor trams designed for passenger service in the city.

What made the “mevro” groundbreaking were its electrical innovations, such as rail brakes powered by a storage battery and advanced signal circuits. At the time, these features set new safety standards and laid the foundation for the later development of PCC concept trams, whose influence is still visible in today’s iconic T3 models.

Historical Roots and Challenges

The tram’s design drew inspiration from Milan’s Peter Witt cars, which have been in operation since 1928 and still serve passengers in Italy today. However, the “mevro” trams had a relatively short lifespan in Prague’s regular service, operating for just 18 years.

By the 1960s, the introduction of four-axle T3 trams rendered older designs like the “mevro” obsolete. Tram 3098 was retired in 1966 and subsequently converted into a measuring car. Its operation was hampered by technical issues, particularly with Praga-type controllers, which struggled to meet evolving demands.

The Road to Restoration

The restoration of the tram 3098 has been a meticulous process spanning over three years. Following decades of inactivity and storage, DPP decided to reconstruct the tram to resemble its appearance during its first decade of service. The project began in May 2021 at a workshop in Krnov, with final adjustments completed by DPP employees.

The restored tram now incorporates modern features like a pantograph and static converter to ensure compatibility with current transport infrastructure.

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