Miory Regional Executive Committee
Today, a ceremonial presentation of new low-floor trams was held in Vitebsk. The vehicles have been delivered to the regional center for operation on urban routes. The event was attended by representatives of local authorities, employees of JSC "Vitebskoblavttrans" and its veterans, the manufacturer "BKM Holding", JSC "Promagrolizing", as well as the city's artistic collectives.
Deputy Chairman for Architecture and Construction of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Nefedov, noted that Vitebsk was the first city in Belarus to introduce tram service.
"Today, on the occasion of the 127th anniversary of the Vitebsk tram, we are witnessing a significant event for all residents and guests of the city," he stated. "We are introducing a new generation of trams to the lines, which differs fundamentally from the previous series both technically and aesthetically."
The T811 tram model was introduced to production at BKM Holding in 2022, with serial production commencing in 2023. Initially, the trams were exported to Russia—to Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, and Krasnodar. In summer 2024, they were commissioned in Mozyr, and in early 2025, the first units entered service on the lines in the Belarusian capital.
Key features of this tram model include air conditioning, automatic fire suppression systems, a multimedia system, USB ports for device charging, and Wi-Fi internet connectivity.
The tram car accommodates 35 seated passengers. The total capacity is 159 persons.
"This tram model features an increased number of doors—four instead of the three found in previous cars," reported Oleg Bytsko, Deputy General Director of JSC Management Company of the Holding "Belkommunmash". "An enlarged waiting area is located opposite the double doors to accommodate passengers with strollers and persons with disabilities. One of the doors is equipped with a wheelchair ramp. Furthermore, the door layout facilitates faster passenger boarding and alighting."
The new trams also provide maximum comfort for tram drivers.
- This vehicle is very convenient to operate, - Anna Shcherbakova, a driver with 26 years of experience, told "VV". - The driver's seat is comfortable, and the ride is smooth. The controller is not on the control panel (as in previous tram models), but on the armrest, which is highly convenient for operation. At the same time, there are cameras inside and outside the cabin. Images from them are displayed on the driver's console.
During the opening ceremony, Oleg Bytsko presented a symbolic key to the new vehicle to Alexander Fedukovich, General Director of JSC "Vitebskoblastavtotrans". The event also featured the honoring of enterprise veterans and performances by artistic collectives.
To conclude the program, participants and guests took a guided tour of the city by tram, including a Riga-manufactured vehicle that had been operating in Vitebsk in the last century. Former Head of the Vitebsk Tram and Trolleybus Administration, Vasiliy Pavlyuchkov, served as the tour guide.
The new trams are scheduled to enter service in early June. They will begin operating on route No. 3.