Poznań is marking a big double anniversary — 145 years of public transport and 100 years of city bus service. To celebrate, a special tram designed by local artist SiXi is now riding through the city. It’s not just a colorful vehicle — it’s a moving tribute to the long and fascinating history of public transport in Poznań.
How It All Started
The history of public transport in Poznań officially started on July 31, 1880. That’s when the Poznań Horse Railway Company launched the city’s first regular line — a horse-drawn tram running from the Main Railway Station to the Old Market Square. It didn’t take long for the route to expand and for the service to grow popular.
In 1898, horse-drawn vehicles were replaced by electric trams, which helped expand the network even further into areas like Łazarz, Wilda, Garbary, and Górczyn. In those early decades, other forms of transport also started to appear, including horse-drawn omnibuses and later motorized buses.
Buses, Trolleybuses, and the 20th Century Boom
The history of public transport in Poznań took another major step forward in 1925, when the city’s bus network officially launched. Buses were first used on quieter routes where trams didn’t make sense, but they quickly proved useful in other parts of town. In 1930, Poznań introduced Poland’s very first trolleybus line, running from Śródka to Wiejska Street.
The years between the wars saw more tram lines being added, especially in the suburbs — places like Dębiec, Ogrody, and Winiary. Some tram routes through narrow streets in the Old Town were removed, but the overall network kept growing.
Like many other things, public transport in Poznań suffered during World War II. Tracks and equipment were damaged or destroyed. But the system was quickly rebuilt. Buses returned within a year after the war, and by 1947, most tram routes were back in use — with a few new ones added, including a route to Garbary that bypassed the Old Market area.
The Trolleybus Era Ends — Buses Take Over
The 1950s and ’60s were a time of change in the history of public transport in Poznań. More neighborhoods got access to public transport, new types of buses and trams were introduced, and the first ticket machines and validators appeared. Trolleybuses were slowly phased out, and the last line stopped running in 1970.
By the end of the 1950s, buses were already reaching almost every corner of Poznań. Suburban routes to places like Puszczykowo were added, and the fleet kept growing with Polish and Soviet-made vehicles. Night routes were launched in the ’60s and ’70s to serve commuters working late shifts or heading home from evening events.
Into the Modern Era
The 1990s brought big changes in the history of public transport in Poznań. MPK Poznań began buying modern low-floor buses and trams, many of them second-hand from cities like Düsseldorf and Amsterdam. In 1997, Poznań opened its Fast Tram route (PST) — a 6.1 km section of track with no road crossings, which significantly sped up travel from the northern neighborhoods to the city center.
In the 2000s, the city moved toward greener and more accessible transport. Hybrid buses joined the fleet, new low-floor trams like the Moderus and Tramino appeared, and the PEKA electronic card system was introduced. MPK also added dedicated lines for tourists, including the retro tram line 0 and bus line 100.
A Tram That Tells a Story
To celebrate 145 years of public transport and 100 years of buses in Poznań, MPK Poznań has launched a unique tram — Moderus Beta no. 459. It’s covered in custom artwork by local illustrator SiXi. The graphics show all kinds of vehicles from the history of public transport in Poznań: horse trams, early electric models, trolleybuses, old taxis, and even the Maltanka park railway.
Each drawing includes the year the vehicle first appeared in Poznań and a short explanation. The illustrations are set against familiar city landmarks to tie the past to the present, highlighting key moments in the history of public transport in Poznań. And everything was drawn by hand.
I’m truly honored MPK trusted me with this project. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in terms of time and effort. Every detail was created manually. I really hope people enjoy it.
said SiXi.
The tram is already in service, running daily on lines 5 and 91, starting from Górczyn PKM just after 11:00 a.m. The official anniversary events will take place in autumn.
Where We Are Now
The history of public transport in Poznań is about more than vehicles and routes — it’s part of everyday life for generations of residents. Whether it’s a daily commute, a weekend outing, or a late-night ride home, trams and buses have helped the city grow, connect, and move forward. And after 145 years, that history is still rolling forward!
