by InTrieste
The historic Opicina tram, a beloved fixture of Trieste’s public transportation system, has been temporarily suspended due to a technical issue caused by frigid temperatures, local officials said on Friday.
The disruption, which began at 5:30 p.m. on February 14, was traced to an anomaly in the tram’s contact line, which supplies power to the vehicles. Officials believe the low temperatures caused the overhead power cable near the Conconello curve to contract, lifting one of its support arms. This shift resulted in improper contact between the pantograph—the apparatus connecting the tram to the power source—and the electrical line, effectively cutting off power and bringing the service to a halt.
City authorities have scheduled repair work to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, though they cautioned that weather conditions could impact progress. For now, there is no clear timeline for when the tram will resume operations.
In the meantime, commuters and tourists alike will need to seek alternative transportation. The Opicina tram, which has been in operation for more than a century, is both a vital transit link and a cultural landmark, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea as it climbs from Trieste’s city center to the Karst Plateau.
Local officials have urged patience as crews work to restore the line, emphasizing safety as their top priority. “We understand the inconvenience this may cause,” a spokesperson said, “but our team is working diligently to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”
Residents and visitors will need to wait until at least Saturday afternoon for an update on when the service might be restored.
