Tram İzmir,[3][4] alternatively known as İzmir Tram[5] (Turkish: İzmir Tramvayı),[1][6] is a tram network in İzmir, Turkey. Owned by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and operated by İzmir Metro A.Ş., the system consists of three lines: one in Karşıyaka, which opened on 11 April 2017, the in Konak, which opened on 24 March 2018 and the Çiğli Tram in Çiğli, which opened on 27 January 2024.
| Tram İzmir | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Two trams at the Atatürk Spor Salonu stop of the Konak Line | |
| Overview | |
| Owner | İzmir Metropolitan Municipality |
| Area served | Karşıyaka, Çiğli and Konak |
| Locale | İzmir, Turkey |
| Transit type | Tram |
| Number of lines | 3 |
| Number of stations | 47 |
| Daily ridership | 110,000[1] |
| Website | www |
| Operation | |
| Began operation | 11 April 2017 (Karşıyaka) 24 March 2018 (Konak) 27 January 2024 (Çiğli) |
| Operator(s) | İzmir Metro A.Ş.[2] |
| Number of vehicles | 38 |
| Train length | 32 m (105 ft) |
| Headway | 10 min - Karşıyaka-Çiğli Line 6 min - Konak Line |
| Technical | |
| System length | 32.6 km (20.3 mi) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | 750 V DC |
| Average speed | 24 km/h (15 mph) |
| Top speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) |
The operating length is 32.3 km (20.1 mi) and consists of a total 47 stations. The total cost of these two lines is about ₺450 million (approx. US$120 million).
History
edit
The first tram line in İzmir opened in 1890, between Alsancak Terminal and Pasaport pier.[7] The Alsancak-Pasaport portion was abandoned in 1956 and the last remaining line in İzmir (Konak-Pasaport) was taken up in the early 1960s. Automobile traffic rose greatly in the decades that followed and in the early 2000s, the city was plagued with congestion in central areas.
In 2009, the Metropolitan Municipality released an overall transportation plan for the city.[8] The plan included the construction of three new tram lines: one in Konak, Karşıyaka and in Buca respectively. These three lines were to be integrated with the city's metro line as well as the two commuter rail lines. Construction was originally expected to start by the end of 2011; however, due to the delayed Environmental Impact Report, this date was pushed back to 2015.[9] In 2013, the Municipality secured necessary funding from the Ministry of Development and finalized system plans in 2014.[10] In the finalized plan, the Buca Tram line was removed due to pressure from the Ministry of Transport.[11] Construction began in April 2015 on the Karşıyaka Tram, and in November 2015 on the Konak Tram.
The first tram vehicles were delivered in 2016 and showcased at the İzmir International Fair in August of the same year. The rest of the vehicles were delivered in February 2017.[12]
The general name of the system was branded Tram İzmir by the Metropolitan Municipality.[3]
T1 Karşıyaka Tram Line
editThe Karşıyaka Tram is 20.8 km (12.9 mi) long. An 8.8 kilometres (5.5 mi) section of the line was put into service on 11 April 2017. The remainder of the line was put into service on 27 January 2024. The line operates in integration with the Çiğli Tram (T3). The tram line is operating with 2 lines. The Alaybey – Katip Çelebi University line is named the Green Line, and the Mavişehir – Ataşehir line is named the Orange Line. 
| Karşıyaka Tram Green Line | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Station | Platform | Connection | Notes |
| Alaybey | 1 island platform | Izban | Approx. 0.5 km walk between
Tram and Izban |
| Karşıyaka | 1 island platform | Bus, Ferry | |
| Nikah Sarayı | 1 island platform | None | |
| Yunuslar | 1 island platform | None | |
| Bostanlı İskele | 2 side platforms | Bus, Ferry | Staggered platforms |
| Çarşı | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Vilayet Evi | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Selçuk Yaşar | 1 island platform | None | |
| Atakent | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Bilim Müzesi | 1 island platform | None | |
| M.Kemal Atatürk Spor Salonu | 1 island platform | Bus | |
| Mavişehir | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Orange Line) | |
| Ataşehir Kavşağı | 1 island platform | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Semra Aksu | 1 island platform | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Eski Havaalanı | 1 island platform | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Yenimahalle | 1 island platform | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Çiğli Bölge Hastanesi | 1 island platform | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Ata Sanayi | 1 island platform | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Evka 5 | 2 side platforms | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Kâtip Çelebi Üniversitesi | 1 island platform | Kâtip Çelebi University | |
| İAOSB Nedim Uysal Lisesi | 2 side platforms | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Bulvarı | 2 side platforms | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| İAOSB Müdürlüğü | 2 side platforms | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Kemal Baysak | 2 side platforms | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Nihat Karakartal | 2 side platforms | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Nazım Hikmet Ran | 1 island platform | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Ataşehir Kavşağı | 1 island platform | T3 Tram (Blue Line) | |
| Mavişehir | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Orange Line) | |
| M.Kemal Atatürk Spor Salonu | 1 island platform | Bus | |
| Bilim Müzesi | 1 island platform | None | |
| Atakent | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Selçuk Yaşar | 1 island platform | None | |
| Vilayet Evi | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Çarşı | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Bostanlı İskele | 2 side platforms | Bus, Ferry | Staggered platforms |
| Yunuslar | 1 island platform | None | |
| Nikah Sarayı | 1 island platform | None | |
| Karşıyaka | 1 island platform | Bus, Ferry | |
| Alaybey | 1 island platform | Izban | Approx. 0.5 km walk between
Tram and Izban |
| Karşıyaka Tram Orange Line | |||
| Station | Platform | Connection | Notes |
| Mavişehir | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Çevreyolu | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Ataşehir | 1 island platform | None | |
T2 Konak Tram Line
edit
The Konak Tram is 12.6 km (7.8 mi) long. The line serves 19 stations and began operating on 24 April 2018. The entire line is double track. The Halkapinar and Fahrettin Altay bound tracks run on opposite sides of the Mustafa Kemal Sahil Boulevard from Fahrettin Altay station to Sadık Bey Station. Then after Sadık Bey, the two lines run parallel to each other, between the seaside and the west-bound Mustafa Kemal Sahil Boulevard. The Tramline turns inland at Gazi Boulevard and the track runs through the median. The line then turns onto Şair Eşref Boulevard, where the tracks are laid on the left most lane of each direction. The lines split past the Alsancak Train Station with the Halkapınar bound line taking Şehitler Street and the Fahrettin Altay bound track following Liman Street. The lines meet up again along Şehitler Street just before arriving at Halkapınar.
| Station | Platform | Connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halkapınar | 1 island platform | Izban, Metro, Bus | Depot is located here. |
| Üniversite | 1 side platform | None | Only Halkapınar bound trams stop here. |
| Havagazı | 1 side platform | None | Only Fahrettin Altay bound trams stop here currently. |
| Alsancak Stadyumu | 1 side platform | None | Only Halkapınar bound trams stop here. |
| Alsancak Gar | 1 island platform | TCDD, Izban, Bus | |
| Atatürk Spor Salonu | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Hocazade Camii | 1 island platform | None | |
| Kültürpark Atatürk Lisesi | 1 island platform | None | |
| Gazi Bulvarı | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Konak İskele | 2 side platforms | Ferry, Bus, Metro | |
| Karataş | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Karantina | 2 side platforms | None | |
| Köprü | 2 side platforms | None | Staggered platforms |
| Sadıkbey | 2 side platforms | None | Staggered platforms |
| Göztepe | 2 side platforms | Ferry | Staggered platforms |
| Güzelyalı | 2 side platforms | None | Staggered platforms |
| AASSM | 2 side platforms | None | Staggered platforms |
| Üçkuyular | 2 side platforms | Ferry, Bus | |
| Fahrettin Altay | 1 island platform | Bus, Metro |
T3 Çiğli Tram Line (Ring)
editThe Çiğli Tram is 12 km (7.5 mi) long and serves 14 stations.[13] The line opened on 27 January, 2024[14]
| Station | Platform | Connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ataşehir Kavşağı | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Nazım Hikmet Ran | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Nihat Karakartal | 2 side platforms | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Kemal Baysak | 2 side platforms | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| İAOSB Müdürlüğü | 2 side platforms | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Bulvarı | 2 side platforms | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| İAOSB Nedim Uysal Lisesi | 2 side platforms | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Evka 5 | 2 side platforms | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Ata Sanayi | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Çiğli Bölge Hastanesi | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Yenimahalle | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Eski Havaalanı | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Semra Aksu | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
| Ataşehir Kavşağı | 1 island platform | T1 Tram (Green Line) | |
Service
editThe system operates 24/7 with a varying headway.[5] On the Karşıyaka-Çiğli line, there is a ten-minute headway. On the Konak line, during Monday through Saturday, there is a six/seven and a half-minute headway and during Sunday, there is a seven and a half/ten-minute headway.[15] In 2018, İzmir Tram transported 110,000 passengers per day.[1]
Future Developments
editA new line from Yeni Girne to Örnekköy is in its tender phase. Construction is set to begin in early 2024.
Infrastructure
editThis article needs to be updated. (November 2020) |
The system operates on its own right of way as well as automobile lanes, despite the latter utilized less so, and is electrified with 750 V DC overhead wire and consists of Communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling.[16] Most of the network is double-tracked, except for a short portion between Karşıyaka pier and Alaybey. The tracks are standard track gauge at 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in).Both lines will have their own storage and maintenance depots, in Mavişehir and Halkapınar respectively. The tramcars are produced by Hyundai Rotem plant in Adapazarı. The double-ended 32 m (105 ft)-long five-module tramcars are each 43.1 t heavy. They have 48 seating capacity, and can carry up to 285 passengers each. Service speed is 24 km/h (15 mph), and top speed is 70 km/h (43 mph).
Each station is wheelchair-accessible and consists of its own platform, segregated from any sidewalk or street. Information panels showing the real-time status of the next tram are installed in all operating stations.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "İzmir Tramvayı '21 milyon' dedi" (in Turkish). İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. 23 November 2018. Archived from the original on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
- ^ "İşte her yönüyle İzmir'in tramvayı". Hürriyet (in Turkish). 2015-10-14. Retrieved 2017-04-12.
- ^ a b "Tram İzmir web sitesi" (in Turkish). Retrieved 1 December 2018.
- ^ "Tram İzmir resmi twitter sayfası" (in Turkish). Retrieved 1 December 2018.
- ^ a b "Transportation Guide". İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. Archived from the original on 29 November 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
- ^ "İzmir Tramvayı'na kalite belgesi" (in Turkish). İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. 24 October 2018. Archived from the original on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
- ^ Ömer Tolga Sümerli Archived 2011-02-15 at the Wayback Machine - The history of Alsancak terminal.
- ^ "İşte İzmir'in yeni metro projeleri!". izmiraltasemlak.com (in Turkish). 9 June 2008. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
- ^ "İzmir'e 28 km tramvay hattı". milliyet.com.tr (in Turkish). 28 May 2010. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
- ^ "..Ve tramvay start verdi". izmir.bel.tr (in Turkish). 3 July 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
- ^ "Tramvay Geliyor". izmirmetro.com (in Turkish). Retrieved 6 November 2017.
- ^ "Karşıyaka Tramvayı'nın 17 Aracı Da Geldi". rayhaber.com.tr (in Turkish). 16 February 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
- ^ "Haberler | Çiğli Tramvayı yola çıkıyor". www.izmir.bel.tr (in Turkish). İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
- ^ "Çiğli Tramvayı hizmete girdi" [Çiğli Tramway is in service] (in Turkish). 2024-01-27.
- ^ "Sefer Sıklığı" (in Turkish). tramizmir.com. Archived from the original on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
- ^ "Hyundai-Rotem'in Hibrid Tramvayı İzmir'e Geliyor". Rail Turkey (in Turkish). 2014-09-22. Retrieved 2017-04-12.