CLS: Removal of Tram Line 2 a Historic Mistake and Sign of Ignorance

The cancellation of Belgrade's circular tram line number 2, along with the planned pedestrian expansion on Pariska Street, is a historic mistake and an irresponsible act that reflects a lack of understanding of Belgrade, said Nikola Jovanovic, Director of the Center for Local Self-Government (CLS).

- I fear this is a personal campaign by the current mayor against the 'Tram 2 circuit'—the historic and emblematic core of Belgrade and all that it represents. Like with all such battles, Belgrade will eventually win, said Jovanovic.

He emphasized that tram line 2 has a historic and irreplaceable function in bridging the elevation difference between the Sava slope and the Belgrade ridge.

- Pariska Street is on an incline, making it difficult for pedestrians—especially the elderly and parents with strollers, to navigate, Jovanovic explained.

He also noted that urban planner Brana Jovin had once proposed routing car traffic through a tunnel beneath Pariska while keeping the tram line on the surface, but this was ultimately not considered feasible.

- Before and after that idea, no one ever seriously proposed removing traffic from Pariska—let alone shutting down tram line 2, Jovanovic added.

For context, Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Sapic recently reiterated earlier plans to eliminate tram line 2, stating that construction to turn part of Pariska Street into a pedestrian plaza could begin next year.

Centar za lokalnu samoupravu Beograd

Grad Beograd

Center for Local Self-Government

CLS

City of Belgrade

Pariska Street

Belgrade

Nikola Jovanovic

Aleksandar Sapic

tram 2 circuit

tram number 2

tram cancellation

pedestrian zone expansion

Brana Jovin