Magyar News, 2003. szeptember-2004. augusztus (14. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-03-01 / 7. szám
every day. The pedal that rings the bells today used to turn the microphone on. The annoyance of ringing instead of speaking might be the reason for the odd grumpy voice coming over the loudspeakers. Rear view mirrors were also additions to the original model. The traffic laws meant it was not necessary to install the mirrors when the models were designed, because checking passengers on and off the cars used to be the task of the conductors. The installation of the side mirrors however was not perfect - opening the doors blocks the view for the driver. In the '90s the mirrors were equipped with anti-fog heating and drivers were provided with walkie-talkies for communication with the dispatcher. The worth of this, however, was limited as only one of the two driver's cabins in each tram was so equipped, leaving the driver cut off from the center when travelling in one direction. Today, an attentive passenger will observe that no two UV models look the same. There are differences in the lighting, with some models still having old bulbs instead of modem neon lights. The floor can range from wooden boards to a bus-like plastic to the most modem glittering cover. Ever wondered what the box contains under some seats? It is the sandbox, used in snowy weather, and the form of the bucket can vary from tram to tram. The fate of the UVs is as varied as their looks. The specimen which has survived the many waves of refurbishment most intact is number 3257. This tram was withdrawn from traffic on October 4, 2001 and retired to the Museum of Traffic. Number 3376 was burned out in 1998 after leaving the Határ út terminus. Similar fates befell another nine cars, of which just three were fully restored. Number 3261 is currently located in the Institution for the Blind and the Visually Impaired, so they can practice getting on and off the vehicle. Another tram was covered in a blue Pepsi advertisement for more than two A New Hungarian University This time it is in Révkomárom, Slovakia. It is the first autonom institute for higher education, and it is named after János Selye. Naturally the language of learning is Hungarian. It will accomodate three hundred students to study economy, education, and Protestant theology. The photograph by Szilárd Koszticsák, Magyar Távirati Iroda, shows the inner court. The building itself reflects in the glass of a new building. years from 1996, returning to its original color at a general service. Number 3871 came to a sad end - the tram was unceremoniously transformed into a buffet car in Városliget. Others became movie stars, like Numbers 3231 and 3232 - used in Spy Gameas trams in Berlin. Another tram took center stage in the closing seconds of Péter Bacsó's excellent satirical movie A tanú (The Witness). More recently, Hungarian band Jazz+Az used a UV in the shooting of a video clip, and another model starred in the shooting of the visual footage for János Bródy's song Az első villamos (The first tram). The future of the UVs look bleak: the models are gradually being withdrawn from traffic, making way for more modem vehicles. If you want to enjoy a last ride on these fine old servants of public transport, try line 41, recently extended to Batthyány tér, which has probably the most spectacular journey in Budapest, finishing in the hilly Kamaraerdő in western Buda. Courtesy of Budapest Sun Page 5 Above: The Stuka, across the Danube to the right is the Parliament Left .Trams in the city. The rounded dark building is the old National Theater
