Stuttgart’s rack trams were decorated over the weekend of 13/14 May. (R. Yakamata
 
The 13th and 14th May was a special occasion for the Stuttgart rack tramway (affectionally known by locals as Zacke) that links Marienplatz and Degerloch in the German city’s southern suburbs. 
 
The three new 20m rack trams supplied by Stadler Rail were christened, and the last of the 1982 trams was withdrawn.  
 
The christening was carried out by Transport Minister Winfried Hermann and Lord Mayor Frank Nopper using Degerlocher Scharrenberg wine from one of the smallest registered vineyards in Germany, attended by the Degerloch trombone choir.  
 
The investment in the line by SSB totalled EUR 19.3M. 
 
The 2.2km metre-gauge Stuttgart rack tramway was opened in 1884 using the Riggenbach system and climbs 205m with a maximum grade of 17.8%.  
 
It was electrified in 1904 and operates as an integrated part of the Stuttgart public transport system as line 10.  
A Stuttgart rack tram with bicycle trailer at an intermediate stop. (SSB
A Stuttgart rack tram with bicycle trailer at an intermediate stop. (SSB 
 
Special trailer cars are used to carry bicycles (up to 20 per trip). Each end connects with lines of the standard-gauge Stuttgart Stadtbahn system. 
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