Samara Considers Tram Return to Khlebnaya Square

City authorities do not rule out the possibility of changing the route network in the center of Samara. This was reported by representatives of the Transport Department of the regional capital.

Their statement came in response to a question from local residents. Citizens asked officials when trams are planned to return to Khlebnaya Square in Samara.

“The issue of returning tram tracks to Khlebnaya Square is under consideration,” officials stated. However, representatives of the Transport Department did not specify any concrete timelines.

The rails in this part of Samara were dismantled during the construction of the Samara (Frunzensky) Bridge. Because of this, routes No. 1, 3, and 5 had to be shortened – they were redirected to Chapayevskaya. The restoration of the previous tram traffic pattern was promised to residents along with the opening of the bridge. However, after the work on the facility was completed, new asphalt was laid on Frunze Street, but without rails.

Local residents have repeatedly insisted on the restoration of the tracks. And officials themselves have stated their possible readiness to rebuild the line. For several years, things did not progress beyond words. Mainly due to lack of funding.

In the spring of 2023, residents gained hope for the swift restoration of the tracks to Khlebnaya Square. Then, a comprehensive scheme for organizing transport services for residents of the Samara-Tolyatti agglomeration appeared. And local authorities announced approximate timelines and parameters for the project.

The plan involved laying 1.3 kilometers of tracks while maintaining one lane of traffic in each direction. The implementation of the plan was estimated at 126 million rubles (approximately $1.4 million at current rates). However, once again, the matter did not go beyond discussion.