North Korea’s tram systems, though modest in scale, are integral to the nation’s public transportation, particularly in Pyongyang and Chongjin. These systems reflect the country’s reliance on public transit due to limited private vehicle ownership.
Pyongyang Tram System
Overview
The Pyongyang Tram System commenced operations in 1989 and currently encompasses four lines over approximately 53.5 kilometers. Operated by the Guidance Bureau of Passenger Service, the system serves as a crucial component of the city’s public transport network.
Lines and Routes
- Line 1: Originally connected Mangyongdae to Songsin. Due to the deterioration of the Taedong River bridge, the section between Pyongyang Station and Songyo was closed in 2002, effectively splitting the line. By 2014, the segment from Songyo to Songsin was replaced by a trolleybus service.
- Line 2: Runs from Munsu to T’osŏng, serving the eastern part of Pyongyang.
- Line 3: Connects West Pyongyang Station to Rangrang, currently the only line crossing the Taedong River.
- Kumsusan Line: A meter-gauge line operated by the military, linking Samhung Station to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.
Rolling Stock
The tram fleet includes various models, predominantly of Czechoslovakian origin:
- ČKD Tatra KT8D5K: Double-articulated trams delivered new in 1990.
- ČKD Tatra T6B5K: Single motor units acquired in the 1990s.
- ČKD Tatra T4D/B4D: Used trams imported from German cities in the late 1990s.
- ČKD Tatra T3/T3SUCS: 20 units purchased from Prague in 2008.
In 2018, Pyongyang introduced the «Thongil-181,» a domestically produced tram model based on the Tatra KT8D5K chassis. These trams feature alternating current motors and varying configurations.
Challenges and Developments
The tram system has faced challenges, including maintenance issues due to international sanctions limiting spare parts availability. Despite these hurdles, efforts have been made to maintain and modernize the fleet, including the development of locally built electrical equipment. Foreign tourists were previously restricted from using the trams, but recent tours have begun to include tramway rides, though typically on chartered services separate from local commuters.
Chongjin Tram System
Overview
Chongjin, located in North Hamgyong Province, operates North Korea’s second tram system. The system began service on July 2, 1999, and currently consists of a single line spanning approximately 13 kilometers.
Route and Operations
The tram line runs from Sabong-dong through South Chongjin to Bongchon-dong. The system was constructed in two phases: an initial 6-kilometer segment followed by a 7-kilometer extension. There were plans to extend the line to Chongjin Station by 2002, though it’s unclear if this extension was completed.
Rolling Stock
Chongjin’s trams are locally manufactured by the Chongjin Bus Factory. The fleet includes single-car trams resembling the Tatra T6B5 model and a unique articulated tram similar in appearance to a Tatra KT8D5 without the middle section. These vehicles were developed to address the city’s specific transportation needs.
In conclusion, North Korea’s tram systems in Pyongyang and Chongjin exemplify the country’s approach to urban public transportation, emphasizing self-reliance and adaptation amid external constraints. While facing challenges such as infrastructure aging and limited access to spare parts, efforts continue to maintain and develop these systems to serve the commuting needs of the population.