Tram drivers from across Europe gathered in Frankfurt this Saturday (September 14) to take part in the European Tram Drive Championship.
In a series of tests, the drivers showcased their talents to the watching crowds, including braking, starting and reading signs.
“If you can’t brake properly, you don’t stand a chance in private transport. And that’s a challenge”, says Peter Wirth, a former tram driver from Frankfurt who has become a local celebrity and is known for his talent in doing the splits.
In this year’s competition, Wirth believes his home advantage may play a part in deciding the winner.
All drivers are competing in trams owned by the local transport company VGF (Transport Company Frankfurt).
Each team consists of one male driver, one female driver and a team coach from the public transport company of a European city.
Apart from connecting people through the games and entertainment, the organisers’ hope to present public transport as a modern service provider and a attractive employer.
This year the event celebrates its 11th edition and has been previously hosted across Europe including in cities in Hungary, Spain, Austria, and Romania
Slovakia’s Bratislava, Scotland’s Edinburgh and Finland’s Tampere are taking part for the first time.
(Reuters)