Given the dearth of private vehicles in North Korea ordinary citizens rely on public transport to get around, where they cannot walk or cycle to their desired destinations. In Pyongyang public transport comprises a metro (underground) system, trams, trolley-buses and buses. This is supplemented by an increasing number of taxis but due to their extremely high cost, compared to other forms of public transport, they are really only an option for the upper and (growing) middle classes. Continue reading “Pyongyang Trams and Observations from a Short Trip on the Kowngbok (Liberation) Line”
Travel by Tram
Adelaide’s tram system consists of one tram line which runs from the Entertainment Centre via the city centre to the seaside town of Glenelg.
While only one line the system is very useful to visitors for three reasons: Continue reading “Travel by Tram”
Bus, Tram, Train – Tickets and Routes
A Daytrip Metroticket costs $10.20 and gives you a full day of unlimited travel on buses, trams and trains in the very large Adelaide area. It is valid to 4.30am the following morning. The Daytrip Metroticket is pretty good value if you are going to use public transport outside the free areas(see below). A 3-Day Visitor Pass is also available and costs $26.60. Continue reading “Bus, Tram, Train – Tickets and Routes”
The Red Rattler – Tram
In 1873 the railway line between Adelaide and Glenelg was build by the Adelaide, Glenelg & Suburban Railway Company Ltd. Until 1899 the company operated steam trains on the line when it was acquired by the state owned South Australian Railways (SAR) which ran the trains until 1929.
In April 1929 ownership and operation transferred from the SAR to Adelaide’s Municipal Tramways Trust (MTT) which immediately closed the line and converted it to a standard gauge electric tram-line. Continue reading “The Red Rattler – Tram”
Getting to Glenelg – Take the Tram
Since the arrival of the first train in Glenelg and then the tram this became “the” way to get to Glenelg from Adelaide. Catching a train or tram to the seaside was very much part of the experience and the day out. Continue reading “Getting to Glenelg – Take the Tram”
Horse Drawn Tram Sculpture
Trams first entered service in Riga in 1882. The city’s first trams were horse drawn and chugged along at around 10 km per hour, actually quite a respectable speed, I feel, when you consider they could carry up to 40 people. Continue reading “Horse Drawn Tram Sculpture”
Getting around in Riga
Most visitors with just a day or two in Riga will generally not have time to venture beyond the Old City area and what they want to/ have time to see can easily be reached on foot. There is no doubt that walking is the best way to get around the Old City area and, indeed, slightly beyond.
In planning my trip I knew I wanted to spend a bit of time exploring the Moscow District. I also wanted to visit the massive Soviet Victory Monument across the Daugava River and the former KGB building. The latter I ended up walking to and it’s really not that far from the Old City centre anyway. Continue reading “Getting around in Riga”
Getting from Stockholm to to Riga by Ferry
Instead of flying from Stockholm to Riga we decided to take Tallink’s ferry, the M/S Isabelle. The trip lasted about 18hrs and was indeed pleasant with everything from check-in at Stockholm’s Frihamnen Terminal to disembarkation at the Riga Passenger Terminal running smoothly. A most civilised and stress-free way to travel. Continue reading “Getting from Stockholm to to Riga by Ferry”
Pyongyang’s Trolley-buses
Until very recently, about a month after my visit in April 2014, tourists did not get to ride on a trolley-bus. Looking at my pictures attached you might think that is no big deal or, in fact, a good thing.
A short trip on a trolley-bus is now featuring on some tours. It is another one of these things, like a walk in the street, that are a must do only because you are in North Korea. Continue reading “Pyongyang’s Trolley-buses”
The Rambling Wombat 