In Riga, on Brīvības Street, near the Air Bridge, a large-scale reconstruction of the 5th tram depot is underway. In order to expand the fleet of low-floor trams, it is necessary to create appropriate conditions and facilities for their maintenance and repair. Currently, the main construction work at the depot is already completed, and in the spring, the first trams will begin to be serviced in the updated facilities, reports the program "900 seconds" (TV3).
"Indeed, the construction work is already completed; now we are talking about landscaping, installing equipment, and laying communications. There are minimal works left inside and outside, but large-scale construction is already finished," noted board member of "Rīgas Satiksme" Jānis Golubev.
The updated repair facilities of the depot have become significantly more spacious and equipped with modern equipment, which will allow for much faster and more convenient servicing of low-floor trams.
The updated facilities will also be a significant improvement for the employees who work here.
"These people have golden hands. The conditions they have worked in until now were unacceptable. The infrastructure in many places was in critical condition," explained Golubev.
The updated and reconstructed repair facilities of the 5th tram depot will service not only low-floor trams. Old Tatra trams will also receive a new life.
"We have trams that are 40 years old or more. They need to be completely redone – starting from the bogies and ending with the entire structure; it is necessary to dismantle the seats and the floor. This work is taking place in this depot," said Golubev.
A representative of "Rīgas Satiksme" reported that the old Tatra trams will carry passengers in Riga for at least another ten years. At the same time, low-floor trams will increasingly be seen, for which such updated and spacious repair facilities are required.
A total of four buildings have been restored, covering an area of more than 6000 square meters.
Landscaping work will continue until mid-March. After that, the buildings will be accepted. And by May, the new depot buildings will begin servicing trams.
