Ready to explore where Rostock’s transport magic happens? This is the Betriebshof RSAG. It is more than just a depot. It’s the nerve center ensuring the city moves smoothly.
The Rostocker Straßenbahn AG, or RSAG, operates six tram and 26 bus lines. These lines weave through the city within the Verkehrsverbund Warnow. The Betriebshof RSAG is essential. It keeps everything running.
Let’s talk history. The Rostocker Straßenbahn AG emerged from the VE Verkehrskombinat Ostseetrans Rostock on June 5, 1990. It became the city’s public transport hub. Today, the RSAG manages trams and buses.
Two Betriebshöfe serve the RSAG. One is on Hamburger Straße for trams. The other is on Industriestraße for buses. These locations are vital for maintenance and operations.
Think about the fleet. The RSAG boasts 38 trams. These include low-floor articulated trams and Tramlink models. There are also two Tatra T6A2 trams used for work. The bus fleet is impressive. It includes 52 articulated buses, 22 solo buses, and five Mercedes-Benz CapaCity buses.
Imagine 1881. The Mecklenburgische Straßen-Eisenbahn Actien Gesellschaft started operations. Horse-drawn trams ran on three lines in Rostock. Schwerin also had two lines. However, those Schwerin lines closed in 1885 due to unprofitability.
Richard Siegmann played a big role. He became Vorstand in 1898. Siegmann oversaw operations until 1935. His leadership drove the electrification and expansion of the tram network.
On May 21, 1904, the first electric tram graced Rostock. The Rostocker Straßenbahn AG name came in July 1903. The network grew. Lines extended to Neptunwerft in 1907. In 1925, Line 1 reached the New Cemetery.
The RSAG embraced buses too. The first bus line connected Rostock and Warnemünde in 1926. A city bus line followed in 1928. It ran from St.-Georg-Platz to Maßmannstraße. Buses then connected areas trams didn’t reach.
During World War II, things got tough. Buses using wood gas sustained operations. On April 30, 1945, service stopped before the Red Army arrived.
After the war, recovery began. The Soviets initially wanted to dismantle the tram system. But the city saved it. Service resumed on two lines by August 13, 1945.
In 1956, the Betriebshof Hamburger Straße opened. This boosted tram operations. Also in that year, a bus line replaced tram line 3.
The 1980s brought expansion. New tram lines opened in 1987 and 1990. Dierkow and Toitenwinkel became accessible by tram.
The modern era saw further upgrades. In 2006, the tram network expanded. It connected the northwest and the Südstadt.
New trams arrived in 2013. The Tramlink 6N2 models replaced older Tatra trams. By April 24, 2015, all lines used low-floor vehicles.
A converted bus depot was inaugurated on August 2, 2023. This was in Rostock-Schmarl. Biomethan buses and new electric buses came into use. Infrastructure for charging and fueling was installed.
The bus fleet at this depot includes 85 buses. Eight charging points serve electric buses. These buses use green electricity from Stadtwerke Rostock AG. The transformer station provides 1.8 megawatts. It can power each charging point with 150 kilowatts. Future expansions will bring 38 charging points by 2034.
So, the Betriebshof RSAG stands as a testament. It shows Rostock’s dedication to efficient, sustainable transport. From horse-drawn trams to modern electric buses, the journey continues. Next time you see a tram or bus, remember the complex system behind it. The Betriebshof RSAG makes it all possible.