A Sentimental Journey Through Time

The “pump” cinema was filled with attendees, many of whom remembered the tram’s final journey 40 years ago. The atmosphere was thick with nostalgia as black and white images flickered across the screen, accompanied by soulful piano music from Ingo Rotkowski. Back then, commemorative tickets were purchased, and coins were placed on the tracks as a final farewell to line 4.

From Horse-Drawn Carriages to the Last Ride: A Visual History

The cinema revue showcased a carefully curated collection of images, tracing the tram’s evolution from its humble beginnings as a horse-drawn carriage (Pferdahn), which began operations on July 9, 1881, to its final days. The presentation included vintage black and white footage from the 1920s and 1930s, images of bomb damage near Rathausplatz, and scenes of the trams adorned with advertisements for beer and cigars during the economic boom. The highlight, of course, was footage of the tram’s last run.

Private individuals contributed to the collection,unearthing forgotten treasures from their homes.One notable find was a driving school film from the 1960s, offering tips on avoiding collisions with trams. The revue also included excerpts from the cinematic work I still dream ‘from the tram by Peter Bartelt and Helmut Schulzeck.

The “Tram Virus”: A Lifelong Passion

Jürgen Branat, the 61-year-old chairman of the Kiel tram enthusiasts, has been captivated by trams as the age of 13. For the event, he donned an original driver’s uniform and delivered a concise 20-minute lecture on the history of the Kiel tram. This was no easy task, considering the wealth of information available, from the advancement of route plans and the fate of the vehicles to the techniques of rail maintenance and the gradual decline of the tram system.

Branat also discussed the rise of buses and the association’s unsuccessful fight against the tram’s demise, a decision made in 1977 in favor of a car-centric city and implemented in 1985. This decision mirrors a broader trend seen in many cities during that era,where personal vehicles were prioritized over public transportation.

Memories of a Bygone Era

Among the attendees was Willi Schlünzen, a sprightly 90-year-old former tram employee. Schlünzen, who was hired by the Kiel traffic stock company KVAG as a tram metalworker on October 10, 1960, for an hourly wage of 2.13 DM, later transitioned to driving buses. He fondly recalled the crowded conditions on the trams, where conductors were responsible for selling tickets, providing information, and ensuring there was space for all passengers.

It was usually incredibly full.

Willi Schlünzen, former tram employee

He also shared a personal anecdote about his wife, who worked at the Tilly-Strumpf-Fabrik on Werftstraße: If I had the 4, she always waves.

The Enduring Appeal of Light Rail

Many of the cinema-goers were not only tram enthusiasts but also advocates for light rail systems. Jürgen Branat emphasized the advantages of trams over buses, stating that The train is not only superior to the bus when it comes to punctuality, it also manages to move many more people to switch to public transport. This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the benefits of light rail, including reduced traffic congestion and lower emissions.

Currently, cities around the world are investing in modern light rail systems to address urban transportation challenges. for example, in Europe, cities like Strasbourg and Montpellier have successfully integrated trams into their urban landscapes, providing efficient and enduring transportation options.

A Glimpse into the Future

The event concluded with an advertising film showcasing a modern light rail system traversing Holtenauer Straße, the main train station, Gaarden, and Wellingdorf. This vision of the future sparked further excitement among the audience. for those who missed the initial screening, another prospect awaits next Sunday at 4 p.m. in the pump cinema.