In Ljubljana, an electric tourist train is set to go on a test drive, touring the streets of this year's European Green Capital as of mid-April. The environmentally friendly zero-emission sightseeing train will operate in a circular route, passing all of Ljubljana's major tourist attractions.
Joining Ljubljana's electric-powered vehicles simply called Kavalirs (Gentle Helpers), a free city centre public transport option mainly intended for the transport of the elderly, mobility-impaired people, and visitors, is Urban.
According to a press release from the Ljubljana City Municipality, Urban - the technologically advanced tourist train - is the result of combined knowledge and experience from Ljubljana's LPP transport company team and Slovenian e-mobility experts.
Manufactured by Stoja (a small, yet very successful and innovative company dealing with power electronics innovation, development, manufacture and specialized for electric vehicles and vessels components), the electric train's route promises to offer one of the most attractive circular sightseeing experiences: it will start at Ljubljana's City Hall, continue all the way up to Ljubljana Castle and return thorugh the buoyant Špica town beach, the oldest Ljubljana suburbs – the Trnovo and Krakovo boroughs, the French Revolution Square, Congress Square, and the romantic Prešeren Square. The route, which will be finalized and approved after the testing period, is set to end at its starting point, at the City Hall. Passengers will be able to enjoy the sightseeing train ride throughout the entire year, with the train leaving its starting point on the hour every hour.
The 19-meter-long Urban is powered by a 40 kW electric motor and equipped with 12 photovoltaic panels that provide the required energy. Battery cells are additionally powered by way of regenerative braking, especially when driving downhill. The train will be able to reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h, making 100 kilometers every day. At the same time, it will be able to accommodate 49 passengers, including one wheelchair space and a seat reserved for the tour guide.
Passengers will be able to use cash, credit card (BA, MC, Visa, Diners), Urbana - the Ljubljana Tourist Card (available online, in hotels, etc, or also on the spot for 2 €), or their phone to pay for the ride. It will cost 3 € for passengers aged up to 15, and 5 € for everybody else. Children up to 2 will be able to ride the train free of charge.
Urban is set to officially start its regular route at the end of April 2016.