modern Dresden trams, Germany

The system consists of 12 lines with an aggregate length of approximately 200 km (120 miles).  It is a mixed system of traditional street running, especially in the inner city suburbs and modern light rail. The gauge is an unusual 1,450 mm which is 15 mm (0.6 in) wider than standard gauge.

Most of the trams are articulated low floor cars, of two different basic designs, each of which has several variants. The first generation was built by Deutsche Waggonbau (DWA) in Bautzen between 1995 and 2002; both 6 and 8 axle variants exist. The second generation of low floor cars have been built since 2003 by Bombardier Transportation, also in Bautzen, and are of that manufacturer's Flexity Classic design; both 8 and 12 axle variants exist. The articulated cars vary in length from 30 to 45 metres (98 to 148 ft) long; all run as single car sets.  (Geoff Churchman pics)