Trams are an integral part of daily life in Helsinki, evoking both modern and historical memories. The sound of the motor and the clatter of the tracks are familiar to the city's residents.
Inside a tram, the atmosphere is lively, with conversations, laughter, and the sound of shoes on wet rubber. A screen overhead displays weather updates and advertisements, while the seats feature a stylized map of the tram network.
The tram doors slide open and I step aboard the number two, leaving the damp autumn air behind.
Helsinki's first trams were introduced in 1891, pulled by horses along two short lines. Although they were slow and expensive to operate, these wooden carriages marked the beginning of the city's journey on rails.
The trams have become an ordinary yet nostalgic part of the city's landscape, holding a special pull for many residents.
Author's summary: Trams shape Helsinki's daily life.