UV on route 6
On May 12th 1998, alongside the usual coupled articulated sets, a UV
set comprising two motor, one trailer car (Nos. 3239-6012-3240), was also
carrying passengers on route 6 between Móricz Zsigmond körtér
and Moszkva tér. The explanation for this unusual working was revealed
in leaflets available on the tram, the contents of which we reproduce below:
 |
' The Nagykörút (Grand
Boulevard) in Budapest
is the path of one of the
worlds' busiest tram routes.
In this city, tram routes
4 and 6
carry almost 25%
of all tram passengers.
|
In the 60's and 70's, so-called 'UV' type trams carried
the passengers for Budapest Transport Ltd (BKV Rt.).
From what was then the largest tram depot imaginable, coupled
UV sets capable of carrying 283 passengers travelled the Grand Boulevard,
with up to 42 sets operating at peak times.
Due to an increase in passenger numbers, it was decided
to replace the UV sets with larger capacity units. The changeover started
on 28th April 1978, to larger, modern, coupled articulated sets.
The last UV set scheduled along Nagykörút ran on 12th May
1978, twenty years ago to this day.
To remember this, we will again be operating a UV car for
a few days on route 6.
BKV Rt. Passenger Services '
Unfortunately, the 'few days' promised became just one, but it was still
enough to provide some nostalgia for all those who purposely, or accidentaly
met the UV on the 77 minute round trip of route 6. For those who, unfortunately,
could not make it on the day, we hope to recreate this special event for
you with these pictures:
Photo by Szigeti Dániel and the author.
