The Samsun Light Rail Transit System (Samsun Tramway) is a light rail transit system located in Samsun and Atakum, Turkey. The Samsun Tramway connects Ondokuz Mayñs University to Samsun Stadium. The system was constructed in three phases between 2010 and 2019. The tram line is the only urban rail system in the Black Sea Region pending the construction of the Trabzon Tram. The system carries 90,000 passengers daily and is one of the busiest tram systems in Turkey.
In 2008, Samsun Province governor Yusuf Ziya Yñlmaz announced the construction of a light rail transit line to be completed by 2010. The project was to include 21 stations and connect Samsun's central train station operated by Turkish State Railways with the rectorate of Ondokuz Mayñs University. This route was previously served by private and public bus and van operators but ridership figures were reviewed and led local and national officials to determine that construction of a light rail transit system connecting these destinations was warranted. The rapid growth of Atakum to the west of Samsun City Center further warranted investment in a transit system capable of moving a high numbers of riders. Construction of the first phase of the Samsun Tram began in 2008 and completed in 2010 to much fanfare.
As a result of heavy ridership and the political popularity of the first phase of the Samsun Tram, a second phase was announced in 2013. Phase two of the project entailed the construction of 15 additional stations between Samsun Central Train Station (Gar) and Samsun Stadium, home to the regional soccer club Samsunspor. The first part of the second phase opened on August 26, 2016, from Gar to Balñkçñ BarñnaÃÂñ, and the second part from Balñkçñ to Tekkeköy later opened on October 10, 2016. In addition to connecting Samsun Stadium to the City Center, the tram also connected the large industrial park and the suburbs of Tekkeköy, and left open the possibility of a future extension to Samsun-ÃÂarà Âamba Airport.
Shortly after the completion of Phase II of the Samsun Tram, a third phase of the project was announced. The third phase is the only portion of the project that goes above ground. The tram primarily operates at grade with the exception of overpasses that were built a particularly busy road crossings in the first two phases. The third phase of the tramway was built on the Ondokuz Mayñs University campus and connects the Rectorate to the Residential Dormitories on the western edge of the campus. The third phase of the Samsun Tram was completed on July 5, 2019.
A future extension to Samsun-ÃÂarà Âamba Airport is in the planning stages though make take the form of an electric bus depending on cost considerations.
Two types of rail are used on the length of the Tramway. The primary track gauge for the first phase of the project is S49 which comprises of the route while is of Rð60 grooved rail. The tram primarily runs at-grade with the exception of two overpasses and one long underground condition at Ondokuz Mayñs University. There are 74 at-grade crossings which have been the source of frequent collisions with automobiles and pedestrians. The majority of at-grade crossings are in Atakum to the west of Samsun. Despite the tendency for collisions, the tram is widely regarded as a successful and efficient project that has reduced traffic congestion in the region.
The project includes 43 stations. All stations offer safe and clearly identified at-grade pedestrian crossings. Five stations have pedestrian overpasses. Most stations are defined by simple at-grade platforms with fare collection machines and security staff. Shelters are provided at all stations in case of inclement weather. None of the system's stations are fully enclosed nor underground. All 43 stations are handicapped accessible. Fares are collected by turnstile ahead of boarding and stations are staffed with security guards to ensure fare payment. Fares are between 2.30 and 4.00 TL depending on the age of the rider.
The Samsun Tram connects several major destinations in the Samsun Region including: Samsun Stadium, Republic Square (Samsun), Piazza Samsun, Samsun Saathane Square, Samsun Clock Tower, Atakum and Ondokuz Mayñs University.
The system is served by 16 AnsaldoBreda (now Hitachi Rail Italy) Sirio trams, each of which can carry 270 passengers.
In 2013-2014, five additional trams were supplied by CNR Tangshan. 8 Durmazlar Panorama trams were also delivered between 2016 and 2017.