Trams in Opatija

Matulji-Opatija-Lovran tram

Overview
Locale	Opatija
Transit type	Tram
Operation
Began operation	February 9, 1908
Ended operation	March 31, 1933
Technical
System length	12 km (7.5 mi)

Trams in Opatija ran from 1908 to 1933, connecting the railway station in Matulji with Opatija and Lovran.

History

The Opatija line was planned in 1892 as a steam driven tramway line from Matulje to Volosko, however, this concept was not accepted due to complaints by the hotel industry fearing the smoke and noise generated by steam locomotives, which would disturb their guests. The preliminary work for an electric tramway started in 1900. The concession for building this 12 kilometer long track was issued on February 9, 1906 and the tramway went into operation on February 9, 1908.

The line was descending from Matulje at the elevation of 212 meters (650 feet) to the sea level on the coast. The luggage was transported in separate wagons. In the summer they used open wagons to carry the public through Opatija.

The tramway line was closed on March 31, 1933 and the next day the public transportation was conducted using Consorzio Intercomunale Servizi Automobilistici Fiume-Abbazia busses. The tracks were removed and some of the wagons were sold to Ljubljana.

Gallery

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Sources

• Istria on the Internet - Tramways
• E.Oberegger, A short history of the "Lovraner Tram"(in german)