CHRISTMAS TRAM IS PASSING THROUGH OSTRAVA
Children playing in the snow, forest animals, with the iconic Ostrava skyline in the background and a comet with a radiant 65-meter tail, alongside 16 glowing snowflakes. This beautifully decorated Christmas tram, operated by the Ostrava City Transport Company (DPO), is sure to delight the citizens of Ostrava this year.
Christmas tram in Ostrava. Photo: DPO
Passengers who board the tram will experience a festively adorned interior, carols playing, a glowing Christmas tree, and an Advent program with musical performances.
The Christmas tram travels throughout the city on various routes according to a special schedule. More information is available at dpo.cz/vanocnitramvaj. The graphic design of the Christmas tram evoking joyful childhood memories was created in-house at DPO. The windows of this year’s Christmas tram, the Škoda 39T, feature two photo spots with mistletoe and a Christmas wreath, encouraging passengers to take a memorable selfie.
"We are pleased that this year we will once again bring joy not only to our youngest passengers but to all citezens of Ostrava who see the illuminated Christmas tram in the streets. We believe that such a magical moment, when a brightly decorated tram emerges from the dark night, can create a lasting memory for children. We strive to ensure that public transport in Ostrava evokes positive emotions," stated DPO General Director and Chairman Daniel Morys.
"This year, the tram will pass through the city center and various city districts on different routes to delight as many people as possible. Inside the tram, passengers will also find information about the Ostrava Christmas events, which offer an exciting Christmas program for residents," added Jan Dohnal, Mayor of Ostrava.
"We are delighted that passengers on the Christmas tram will also find the program for the Christmas events in all city districts. We warmly invite everyone to the Advent markets throughout Ostrava," added Pavlína Merendová on behalf of Ostrava Christmas Festival.
This year, for the first time, the programme inside the Christmas Tram includes cooperation with the security forces. Police prevention officers will educate passengers on the topic of safe travel.
"We are pleased to be part of the Christmas tram for the first time this year. This represents an unconventional form of prevention and engagement with citizens, allowing us to provide valuable advice on how not to become easy victims of theft, especially during the pre-Christmas period," concluded Miroslav Plaček, Director of the Municipal Police of Ostrava.
The first week of December also marks the beginning of the traditional Turquoise Collection by DPO, a charitable project supporting local non-profit organizations. For four days (from December 2 to December 5, 2024), volunteers with donation boxes will be collecting donations on public transport. This year’s main project focuses on the Ondrášek Mobile Hospice, which cares for terminally ill patients wishing to spend their final days with their families. The proceeds will support respite health services for families with terminally ill children.
People can contribute not only directly on the vehicles but also by donating any amount via a QR code on the website tyrkysovasbirka.cz, where they will find detailed information about all supported projects.