Riga's transport system steps back a century

RIGA - A vintage streetcar has been added to Riga's long list of tourist attractions.

The tram has undergone a complete restoration to become the Riga Art Nouveau Tram, a replica of the type of vehicle that shuttled Rigans around the city circa 1901. With its period detail including a wood and brass interior, leather hand straps and a driver in early twentieth century livery, the tram should prove an effective tool in marketing Riga as an art nouveau or jugendstil destination.

The Baltic Times was among the first passengers at a glitzy opening ceremony also attended by Riga mayor Janis Birks and Latvian Institute director Ojars Kalnins.

The attention to detail inside the carriage is impressive and the exterior paint job certainly caught the eye of passers by, many of whom stood agape as the blue and white confection rumbled past. One bystander was so transfixed, he almost became the tram's first casualty, forcing the driver to prove that despite the century-old decor, the brakes are all-new.

One eagle-eyed passenger suggested that the driver's socks and shoes were not strictly in keeping with the art nouveau ethos, suggesting that perhaps these could be replaced with gaiters 's but that's about the only fault anyone could find.

Riga mayor Janis Birks said: "I am delighted that the idea for the retro tramway has arrived as a reality, and it is particularly approporiate with Riga's tram system celebrating its 125th anniversary. The retro tramway... will be an important new attraction for the city."

Tickets cost 3 lats for a 20 minute loop of the city centre, taking in many of the main sights, and powder blue Retro Tramway stops have already been erected at strategic points where tourists can hop on and hop off. Most will view it as good value and a great photo opportunity 's even if the ticket is ten times more expensive than a regular city tram.