Trams in Bonn: Farewell to the Duewag R1.1 trams (2025)

The first horse-drawn trams ran through Bonn in 1891, followed by electrification at the turn of the century. Starting in the 1970s, the network was gradually converted to a light rail system to reflect Bonn's status as the federal capital at the time. However, a reconstruction of the lines to Graurheindorf (Auerberg) and Dottendorf was not possible, so the trams remained in service there. Starting in 1994, the tram fleet was completely renewed: 24 modern low-floor Duewag R1.1 trams dominated the cityscape from then on. Many trams were already delivered in the basic colors of the intended advertising. After more than 30 years in service, the R1.1 trams are currently being completely replaced by new Skoda 41T trams. Recently, the R1.1 trams showed significant signs of wear, which was particularly evident in the patched-up paintwork of many trams. Most of them have already lost their advertising but retained their basic color. They are to find a new home in Poznan, Poland. 0:00 Intro 0:45 Trams in Bonn 14:34 Ride in a Duewag R1.1 tram