A short compilation with the last DueWag (Düwag) trams type GT8, which are still operating in Sofia, currently only on line 23. A quite remarkable trams, they are in operation for more than 50 years!
Here in Sofia we had many Dueway trams in the past, not only GT8's, but also from type GT6 and T4-B4 (all for standard gauge - 1435 mm). However, over time they became obsolete, both physically and morally and were replaced in two stages - in 2010 by second hand Tatra T4D-M trams, from Leipzig (Germany) and in 2016, again by second hand trams type Tatra T6A5, bought from Prague (Czech Republic).
DueWag as I already said are a remarkable trams! They are in operation in Sofia since 1995, when they were delivered from Bohn, Germany, after 30 years of use there! As the GT6 and T4-B4 were taken out from service before 4 years, the few remained GT8 are still serving line 23. Currently, there aren't plans to take them out of service, despite their age, because line 23 needs trams with cabins at the both ends of the tram and we don't have any! Moreover, due to crash accidents which happened in the past 4-5 years, the route of line 23 was shortened, due to the lack of enough DueWag GT8's to cover the servicing on this line. Currently, only 4 DueWag GT8 trams are in operation - 4401, 4405, 4411 and 4415. Till the end of the summer, they were 5, but 4410 suffered badly after a crash with a truck.
For those who had missed the first compilation with the DueWag trams in Sofia, you can watch it here:
[ Ссылка ]
