The first tram event organized by Zrobotyzowani in Częstochowa brought together public transport enthusiasts who embarked on a unique nighttime journey through the city – from Kucelin, through the Fieldorfa-Nila loop, to Stadion Raków.
On the evening of November 9, a group of participants in the “Częstochowa Nooks” event gathered near the MPK depot in Częstochowa, ready for an extraordinary nighttime ride. Dense fog enveloped the city streets, giving the meeting a mysterious, almost cinematic atmosphere – perfect for photos that were taken right from the start of the trip. The late hour and piercing cold did not deter anyone – the desire to explore the city’s hidden corners prevailed.
During this nighttime ride, we had the rare pleasure of traveling in the historic 102Na tram, which stands out among the modern tram models owned by MPK. On a daily basis, Częstochowa’s tracks are mostly traversed by modern trams and a few 105Na models, so the classic, rarely seen Chorzów-built 102Na was a true attraction. It garnered admiration from both public transport enthusiasts participating in the ride and residents who eagerly shared their memories of nighttime trams with the participants.
At the beginning of the trip, we headed towards the Kucelin loop – the most attractive and diverse section of the tram network in Częstochowa. Although today’s landscape of Kucelin is shaped by the operations of the Częstochowa Steelworks, it is an area full of greenery, contrasting with the commonly known urban spaces. This evening ride, following the last tram, added a unique character to the trip, allowing participants to experience the atmosphere of a city slowly settling into nighttime silence.
After leaving the Kucelin loop, the tram traveled across Częstochowa towards the Fieldorfa-Nila loop. The route passed through the city’s central districts – we passed main transport arteries, such as Aleja Najświętszej Maryi Panny with a view of Jasna Góra. We also stopped at the Częstochowa railway station, which provided an interesting backdrop for photos. It is one of the most recognizable stations in Poland and an icon of postmodernism.
Later in the trip, at the Promenada Niemena loop, participants had the opportunity to ride around the entire loop, which was an additional attraction for non-photographers. Meanwhile, at the Fieldorfa-Nila loop, there was a short break for the driver and crew, during which participants could rest and warm up inside the tram. A surprising moment was the appearance of a fox nearby, reminding everyone of Częstochowa’s nocturnal life. Although the city is mainly associated with its industrial heritage, it is, in fact, exceptionally green. Parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets encourage the presence of wildlife, and at night, the city’s outskirts come alive with nature.
As promised by Zrobotyzowani, the nighttime tram ride included a visit to the MPK Częstochowa depot. From the windows of our “102Na,” we could observe the depot’s nighttime activities – maintenance work on modern trams manufactured by Bydgoszcz-based PESA. Participants also noticed a duo of 4N1 + ND3 trams awaiting deployment for the November 11 celebrations. We look forward to returning to the depot for a photo walk in the future!
The final stop of the trip was the Stadion Raków loop, filled with football-themed elements, such as bus shelters shaped like football goals. These unique structures, designed to celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary, serve both functional and decorative purposes, reflecting the sporty character of the area. The stops evoke the atmosphere of the stadium, and their evening lighting further emphasizes Częstochowa’s football identity.
From there, we returned to the MPK depot – just in time before the first trams departed onto the streets of Częstochowa! A heartfelt thank you to all participants and everyone involved in organizing the event, including Zrobotyzowani’s friend Tomasz Ziębacz, for his support during the tram ride. This was our first tram meeting, but certainly not the last! We bid farewell for this year and eagerly await future gatherings. See you next year!
Route planning: Maciej Kacprzak
Photos: Maciej Kacprzak, Paulina Kozłowska, Karol Lubaczewski
Drone photos: Karol Lubaczewski
Report: Paulina Kozłowska
Group photos
