Trams in Kharkiv
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| Kharkiv Tramline | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Overview | |||
| Locale | Kharkiv, Ukraine | ||
| Operation | |||
| Began operation | 1906 | ||
| Operator(s) | Gorelectrotrans | ||
| Technical | |||
| System length | 232.1 km (144.2 mi) | ||
| Track gauge | 1,524 mm (5 ft) (1,520 mm (4 ft 11+27⁄32 in) Russian gauge) | ||
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The Kharkiv tram (Ukrainian: Харкiвський трамвай) is part of the public transport system of the second largest city of Ukraine. The tram system has a "Russian Standard" track gauge of 1,524 mm (5 ft). The tram network is built almost exclusively on the streets of Kharkiv, making it a traditional tram system. The network consists almost exclusively of double track. In most parts the tracks are separated from other road traffic, whereas elsewhere tracks lie on lanes that cars and buses may also use.
In October 2016, extensive sections of the track are in poor condition, even unsafe. Sleepers are rotten in parts, fishplates unbolted, pointwork derelict, some rails have sunk some 8 cm below the road surface, overhead voltage supply is poorly regulated. Speeds are low.
In October 2018, the line beyond Children's Park was back in service, though the track is in poor condition, especially at the balloon loops at the terminus and Children's Park. The line through the city center - previously unused except for specials - now sees regular services, but the line from near Children's Park past the cemetery and down to the valley is not in service. The line to the station is in bad condition. A section between the station and the river has been rebuilt, apparently now omitting any connections to former car barns and/or workshops.