In 2025, it will be 12 years since the farewell of the iconic Warsaw 13N trams, popularly known as “parówki” (sausages). This event, which took place in 2013, marked a symbolic moment in the history of the city’s public transportation system. After more than fifty years of service, the 13N trams, which had been the backbone of transportation for Warsaw’s residents for decades, were retired and sent into well-deserved retirement.
The 13N trams first appeared on Warsaw’s tracks in the 1960s, at a time when the city was undergoing extensive modernization. With their rounded shape and distinctive design, they became a symbol of Warsaw’s public transport. Despite the passage of time, the 13N trams remained functional and reliable, transporting residents across the city at all hours of the day, carrying generations of passengers.
When the decision was made to retire the “parówki,” they were replaced by modern, low-floor Swing trams. In 2013, Warsaw’s Mayor, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, emphasized during the official farewell ceremony that this event was not just the end of an era, but also a step toward modernity in public transportation. Thanks to the purchase of new trams, the city gained not only new vehicles but also improved passenger comfort—Swing trams offer air conditioning, heating, and quieter operation.
Alongside the replacement of the tram fleet, Warsaw also invested in developing its transport infrastructure. The introduction of new trams was part of a larger modernization plan, which also included the acquisition of new buses, trains for the suburban railway (SKM), and modern metro trains. These investments greatly benefited the residents, who now enjoyed a more comfortable and modern public transport system. Additionally, thanks to European Union funding, Warsaw received over a billion PLN for the continued modernization and expansion of the tram network.
Over the past 12 years, the city has continued its investment policy, introducing further changes to improve the quality of public transport. In 2025, the city can boast not only a modern fleet of vehicles but also a rapidly expanding tram network and a growing number of passengers using eco-friendly transportation options.
The farewell of the 13N trams will always be a significant moment in the history of Warsaw’s transport system. Although the “parówki” no longer run on the city’s tracks, their presence in the hearts of Warsaw’s residents will remain, and the memory of these iconic vehicles will live on for many years to come.