In brief
The inaugural Tram Driver World Championship held in Vienna crowned an Austrian tram driver as the champion. Participants from various countries competed in unique tasks that included bowling and curling using trams. The event celebrated 160 years of tram services in Vienna, attracting thousands of spectators. Austria secured first place, followed by Poland and Norway, while Hungary faced challenges despite their speed mastery. The next European championships are scheduled for Warsaw.
An Austrian tram driver has been crowned the winner of the first-ever Tram Driver World Championship in Vienna.
Drivers from Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, and San Diego travelled to the city to showcase their tram operating skills in front of thousands of spectators.
The event featured a series of tram-based challenges, including quirky tasks of bowling and curling using the vehicle.
Organisers noted that thousands of visitors attended this spectacle, commemorating the 160th anniversary since trams were first introduced to Vienna.
The Austrian team triumphed over reigning European champions Budapest, who ultimately placed fourth.
A total of 25 teams from across the globe battled on a 250-meter long course.
Participants were challenged to operate the vehicles across eight tasks, including smooth braking and acceleration.
One unique test involved a bowl of water strapped to the front of the tram, requiring drivers to brake without spilling any liquid.
A tram curling challenge tasked drivers to stop a bicycle trolley at a specific mark, while tram bowling, featuring a giant ball to knock over inflatable pins, captivated the audience.
While Austria took home the gold, Poland received silver, Norway secured bronze, and Croatia finished last.
Florijan Isaku, the Austrian winner, expressed his delight at winning in his home country, declaring, It's just great, and referring to Vienna's public transport operator, Wiener Linien, as a family.
Hungary's Krisztina Schneider noted that despite her speed, the challenges like curling proved too difficult to conquer, emphasizing that success requires more than just speed.
Plans are already in motion for next year's European championships, set to take place in Warsaw, Poland.
