Christmas-themed trams to roam Bratislava

A special Christmas-themed tram began operating on the streets of the Slovak capital as of 16:00 on Tuesday, and it's set to be joined at the next two weekends by a vintage Advent Tram, TASR reported on Tuesday. "I hope that the trams will contribute towards the spirit of Christmas as holidays of peace settling not only into the warmth of homes but also among people who meet, for instance, on overcrowded public transport," said Bratislava Transport Company (DPB) general director Milan Urban before the first Christmas Tram journey. The Christmas Tram will remain in operation until December 30, with the exception of December 24-25, between 16:00 to 20:00. It will service the following route: Slovak National Theatre (Jesenského); SNP Square; Obchodná; Radlinského; Vazovova; Špitálska; SNP Square; tunnel; SNP bridge; and the Slovak National Theatre (Jesenského). All passengers will travel free of charge. As the first day of operation this year fell on December 6, St. Nicholas's Day, St. Nicholas, an angel and a devil could be seen among the passengers. The Christmas Tram has grown younger in comparison to previous years, as the original CKD Tatra T2 - manufactured in 1955-62 - has been replaced by a T6A5 dating back to 1991. One new feature this year is a decorated interior, illuminated by 3,120 Christmas lights suspended on 26 light chains measuring 702 metres. The Advent Tram will service the same route as the Christmas Tram, with passengers able to board it free of charge during the next two weekends between 10 a.m-3 p.m.