Trams, Trolleys and Streetcars

On 13 September 2025, Vienna’s Rathausplatz transforms into the world stage for the best tram drivers on the planet! 25 teams from cities like San Diego, Rio de Janeiro, Melbourne, Hong Kong and more will showcase their skills in thrilling competitions. Join the fun at the big Öffi-Fest! Enjoy exciting exhibitions, interactive hands-on stations, and a colourful programme for the whole family. Admission is free – everyone’s welcome!

FGV-TRAM d’Alacant tram at Altea near Benidorm, Spain. In the background is the famous church of Altea, Església de Santa Maria del Consol d'Altea.

From:

https://xcancel.com/CoastFutura

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the light rail system envisioned will pencil out, due to the estimated high cost of USD$4 billion.

https://archive.ph/ivlOl

Which is really a shame because 1) It could have been useful for commuters, because the main freeway, Highway 1, is frequently jammed, 2) It would have been an electric trainset to reduce carbon emissions, and 3) Just look at the Coast Futura pictures, they're really pretty.

p.s. The green structure in the background is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Cruz_Beach_Boardwalk

It's the Logger's Revenge flume ride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9agrhP0QgH8

Shot out to the union flag in the background...

I took a picture of this tram this morning.

This is a series of trams "type Edison" produced in Italy in the period 1927-1930

They are in active use on a number of lines in Milan, and while beautiful, they are slow, hardly accessible and noisy... But still.

Some more info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATM_Class_1500

From an article on these: https://www.outsidelands.org/carzonia.php

https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/first-u-s-hydrogen-powered-trainset-enters-phase-ii-of-testing-in-california/

Entered service in 2024. https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/california-train-zemu-debut-san-bernardino-19664920.php

It's a Stadler FLIRT (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train, German: Flinker Leichter Innovativer Regional-Triebzug) made by Stadler Rail of Switzerland.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadler_FLIRT

Istanbul runs 2, maybe 3 lines of nostalgic trams.

According to this article

https://archive.ph/LpllN

DC is planning to phase out it's only line of streetcars and replace them with electric buses.

cross-posted from: https://ani.social/post/14040361