ROLE OF TRAM TRANSIT IN FORMATION OF MAGNITOGORSK TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (1930–1955)

Abstract

The article provides information about the state of Magnitogorsk electric transport during its formation. This is one of the steps to preserving the history of emergence and development of tram traffic, an attempt to outline its fundamental role in formation of the transport system, as well as in socio-economic and political life of Magnitogorsk, one of the first so called social cities of the Soviet Union. The article is structured into sections relating to expansion of the tram route network, state and development of tram fleet. The considered time period captures the years of the Great Patriotic War and is limited to the beginning of the «thaw» in the domestic political life of the Soviet state. Through systematization of documentary evidence, the fundamental role of tram traffic in formation of the transport system of Magnitogorsk for the studied time period is determined. This should contribute to development of information support for research on the historical patterns of formation of urban transport systems in the period of industrialization.
This issue offers the first part of the article.