Erfurt

Erfurt is the capital of the German state of Thuringia. The tram operator, Erfurter Verkehrsbetriebe AG (EVAG) runs a well-maintained 6-route tram system. Like many former East German cities, Erfurt has been gradually moving away from the Communist-era Tatra PCC trams and investing in low-floor streetcars from other builders. In recent years, it has purchased a sizeable number of Siemens Combino cars with 6 and 4 axles. On Sundays and holidays, the Tatras are stored away leaving the Combinos to provide the reduced service. Unfortunately, a major structural problem will likely sideline the oldest Combinos in Erfurt and other European cities until repairs can be made. In addition to the Combinos, Erfurt also rosters several makes of Duewag (later Bombardier) low floor trams: the 1994 MGT6D model and the 1998 MGT6DE; and vintage tram 92, dating to 1938 and built by the Gotha Tram Works.