Three Gaziantep Tram Routes (A)

 Station (Gar) to Ibn-I Sina

The three-line tram system opened in stages from 2011 to 2-16. Line 1 (RED) was first, followed by Line 2 (BLUE) and thirdly Line 3 (GREEN). Perversely, fbb will start his survey with Line 3 which, according to the route diagram, tuns from the "central" trailway station.

Except that it doesn't! If we turn through 180 degrees, we will then see the tram serminus, on a road junction short of the station.

Maybe there is a plan to continue to the station forecourt where teams ...

... would join the buses.

For whatever reason, there is a lack of integration! Trams then proceed southbound ...

... before hanging a right ...

... in readiness for a long drag westbound. If we ride virtually, we see two chunk trams are the order of the day ...

... but doubling up for busier trips.

Double units (four chunks) usually enjoy the privilege of having one unit in all+over advertising livery.

There is plenty of (ugly?) variety!

We soom come to the triangular junction.

Line 2 (BLUE) turns right to travel north ...

... and the first line to open (RED) comes in to join is.

As we progress virtually, we can see that the stops are simple with name board and ...

... electronic departure boards.

As this point it is worth mentioning that Google Maps does not show individual tram stops in Gaziantep - no doubt the great Google has, just like fbb, struggled to access timetables.

Line 3 veers southbound to  a stop called ...

... Gaziantep Univeritese - and fbb reckons he has clocked up his fourth word in Turkish!

Line 1 branches off here (of which more tomorrow) whilst we fork left to begin a journey eastbound.

Sahinbey Parki (Parki - fifth word!) where we see (in weedy PINK) the word Telferik. (six!).

The tram stop is unexceptional .., 

... but across the road is the "Parki".

Here you will find the Telferik!

Line 3 then continues much the same as the rest of the newest of the lines ...

... but via newer development. Again the line is all on reserved track with "grass" to enhance its visual impact.

The terminus is in a cluster a modern blocks ...

... but, viewed from the opposite end of the station, we see a tram going further than the Ibn-I Sina terminus.

At tje end of this extension is a depot - but not much of a depot. It consists of a turning loop (tram about to turn on left) ...

... and some open sidings beyond the parked cars. Is there maybe the intention to build a proper depot at some stage in the future.

We will explore the spur to Burc Kavsagi (RED) in tomorrow's blog!

 Next Gazioantey Tram blog : Thursday 17th Nov