Farewell to the ‘Bönnsche Bimmel’ Historic tram taken out of service
Bonn · 30 years’ continuous use as a party tram has taken its toll. 140,000 Euros are too much for the SWB to spend on returning the tram to the tracks.
A symbol of past times in Bonn is threatening to disappear forever from the street scene: the 100 year old "Bönnsche Bimmel" tram has made its last journey.
Werner Schui, spokesman for the SWB municipal utilities confirmed: "the Bimmel has no longer been used for tram journeys since January." The tram can be found as usual in the depot in Dransdorf but almost 30 years’ use as a party tram has taken its toll. Since 1989 the tram has been riding the tracks of Bonn in all weathers up to 80 times a year with its party guests and was cherishingly maintained by the SWB workshops at great effort and expense.
The upcoming mandatory maintenance works on the tram, similar to a TÜV vehicle inspection, would cost in the region of 140,000 Euro in order to make the oldie safe for long term operation. Wheels and power units would need to be renewed and the tram is also suffering from leakages when it rains.
Schui explained that such an investment is not economically viable, particularly as operation of the tram has never been able to cover its costs. "Our search for an external collaboration or advertising partner who would be prepared to get involved in the project on a long-term basis has never been successful." This partner would have had to permanently invest a five-figure sum to ensure the upkeep and operation of the historic tram.
The "Bimmel" tram will be missed by the SPD parliamentary council group who have asked the city council how much it would cost to put the tram back into operation. Their economic spokesman Dieter Schaper emphasised the tram’s importance for tourism: “the Bönnsche Bimmel has always brought people to Bonn to celebrate a special event such as a birthday in a memorable way. Restaurants and shops have also benefitted from these visitors”.
The Bönnsche Bimmel is in effect a restaurant on wheels. Inside the tram with its noble wooden tables, brass fittings, ornate table lamps and curtains, there are red upholstered seats for up to 19 guests. This is one of the problems, says Schui. Similar historic trams in other cities usually have larger seating capacities and therefore greater marketing potential. This comparably smaller seating capacity makes marketing of the tram difficult. In addition, a second trained driver is legally required to accompany the tram driver on all journeys with guests. This significantly increases personnel costs.
(Original text: Rolf Kleinfeld. Translation: Caroline Payne)
