Pyongyang tram in 2009Pyongyang Trolleybus near Pyongyang Station in 2007Former Zurich type Be 4/4 tram on the Kumsusan Memorial Palace lineA Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory Chollima 90
Trams and trolleybuses in North Korea are forms of public transportation for North Koreans to travel around in urban centres given the shortages on fuel and access to cars for average citizens.
Very few details are known about these trolleybuses and trams due to the closed society of North Korea. Pyongyang, Wonsan and Chongjin are the only cities known to have tramways.
At least two vehicles have 'Pulgungi 2.16' labelling on front; these vehicles have significant less switches behind the driver and different electrical equipment.[1]
Modified derivative of Tatra KT4 built in China, articulation later removed due to structural defects and subsequently withdrawn in 1999. Bodies were rebuilt into Chollima 971/961 trolleybuses.[3] 2.5 meters wide instead of 2.2 on normal KT4, 45 kW motors compared to 40 on KT4.[4]
150 cars were ordered but apparently only 50 were delivered.[5]
Some vehicles likely underwent body replacement in Chongjin.
Similar to above tram, but joined at the middle with a Jacobs bogie with six axles in total. Only the front and middle bogies have track brakes. Resembles a longer KT8D5K but without the middle section.
Only one built.
Trolleybuses
The Pyongyang trolleybus system has been operating since 1962, with a large fleet serving several routes. Due to the closed nature of North Korea, the existence of trolleybus networks in other North Korean cities was generally unknown outside the country for many years, but it is now known that around 12 to 15 other cities also possess trolleybus systems, among them Sariwon, Wonsan, Chongjin and Pyongsong.[15] A few other places have very small (in some cases only one or two vehicles) systems for transporting workers from a housing area to a nearby coal mine or other industrial site—or at least did at some time within recent years, such as the city of Sangnong.[16][15] Trolleybuses include both imported and locally made vehicles but are mostly locally made, converted or rebuilt. There are a few local manufacturers of trolleybuses.
In 2020, NK News speculated that North Korea was likely to start a removal of its trolleybus systems;[17] however, with the revival of the network in Wonsan during 2018–19, Sinuiju in 2020 and the opening of a new system in Manpo in 2019 directly contradicts this article, and most of currently not operating systems had its trolleybuses removed prior to 2011. It is also important to note, that according to The Pyongyang Times, new trolleybuses are still being constructed.[18]
#612 preserved as museum vehicle in Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory.[20] It was visited by Kim Il Sung before the formal commencement of Trolleybuses in Pyongyang.
Strongly resembles the Jinghua BK540. The first trolleybuses built at Pyongyang Trolley Bus Factory were directly based on the Jinghua BK540.[21][22]
Only one preserved vehicle still in use. Based on LAZ-695. #903 is the 'honorary' trolleybus of Ryonmot depot.[25] Some transferred to Kowon (now Sudong) and Chongjin in the 1970s.[26] Number 903 has been preserved as an honorary vehicle of Ryonmot depot, as Kim Il Sung rode it on 15 May 1964 and Kim Jong Il rode it on 14 May 1964. The trolleybus has a monocoque body with three doors on the right side.[27]
A special service trolleybus was developed on the basis of Chollima 9.25, using the front section it.[21]
Exterior based on Škoda 706 RTO. Partially withdrawn, a number of 'honorary' vehicles remain in service.[28] Presumably produced until 1974, as it was listed in the Foreign Trade of the DPRK in 1974.[29]
Some trolleybuses in Sinuiju are refurbished with new Chollima-321 based bodies.[35] One vehicle still operates as a work vehicle with a maintenance tower in Pyongyang.[36]
unknown
Purpose-built cargo trolleybus with right-hand drive.[21]
Some withdrawn.[38] #281 is an honorary trolleybus of Sanghung depot, as Kim Il Sung rode it on April 18, 1989.[39] Similar design to the Chollima 82/84.[21]
Both are similar and work in Pyongyang.[40][41] These trolleybuses were also known as Sogiryon, after So Gi-ryon, a Chongryon member who donated the funds for constructing these trolleybuses.[42]
Similar to the Chollima 903 but without front door. One door in front section and two in rear section.[55] Might have featured a hybrid drive due to having a gas tank.[21]
Only two built. Articulated trolleybus scrapped (411). Other single unit (509) still in use.[56] The trolleybus museum in the Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory instead has the name 'Kangsondaeguk' for the articulated trolleybus.[57]
First trolleybus with battery power storage, located under the floor, first trolleybus with LED display, 3 doors,[63] with a domestication rate of 92%.[64] A few early vehicles did not have a rear door.[22] The vehicles are distributed among the lines in Pyongyang, with each line having one to three vehicles.[65]
Has battery power storage, LED display, 3 doors.[68] Incorrectly named as Mallima-312 in other sources. Later production versions has longer and straighter side view mirror.
Used in Pyongyang, Wonsan, Kanggye and Huichon and possibly in Manpo.
A body is used in Sinuiju most likely on the chassis of a Chollima 82/84, with MAZ-200/KrAZ-222/Jaju-64 axles.
≥22
articulated trolleybus
Chollima-518
2023–
Two versions exist — the Chollima-518/1, with external design inspired by Mercedes-Benz Future Bus concept,[70] and the less-appealing Chollima-518/2, which appears to be modelled after the previous version of Van Hool Exquicity.[71]
In 2019, two variants were produced; both were painted in blue and white, with the main difference in the curvature of the front.[77] The 2019 vehicles were probably body replacements of old vehicles.[78]
2020 first series had three doors, bearing more resemblance to the Chollima-321.
Another series of these trolleybuses were built in 2021; the differentiating feature to the 2020 series was that it featured a 'y' shaped arch above the front wheel, similarly to the Chollima-321 which the earlier series lacked.
Most likely entirely replaced by Chollima-321 sent to Kangwon Province as a gift by Kim Jong Un in April 2019.[80] Some have undergone a body replacement before being likely withdrawn.
