Two tram drivers from Kraków’s Municipal Transport Company (MPK), Aleksandra Tomaszek and Marcin Jasnos, have achieved a remarkable third-place finish at the 11th European Tram Driver Championships, held in Frankfurt, Germany. Competing against 25 teams from across Europe, the duo demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism in a variety of rigorous challenges.
This year’s competition, which took place in the bustling Willy-Brandt Square in central Frankfurt, saw teams from 20 countries participate, including major cities like Vienna, Barcelona, Berlin, and Budapest. Tomaszek and Jasnos, who regularly operate trams in Kraków, outperformed most of their competitors, with only the teams from Brussels and Budapest finishing ahead of them.
In a public statement, Kraków’s MPK expressed immense pride in their employees, not only for their performance in the competition but also for their everyday service. “We are proud that Ola and Marcin are part of our team! We are also proud of all our drivers who must show immense skill, reflexes, ingenuity, and even bravery every day, just like Ola and Marcin demonstrated during the championships,” MPK Kraków wrote on their social media page.
Challenges and Competitors
The European Tram Driver Championships featured six different events, testing the precision, control, and driving capabilities of the participants. These challenges simulate real-world scenarios that tram drivers face daily, including difficult turns, precise stopping distances, and emergency responses. Teams from across Europe, representing cities such as Berlin, Paris, Vienna, and Stockholm, competed in the event.
The championship has become a prestigious event in the public transport sector, highlighting the importance of skill and professionalism in urban transit. The competition is also a valuable opportunity for tram drivers to share best practices and promote the public transportation industry across Europe.
Last year’s championship, held in Oradea, Romania, saw Vienna’s tram drivers take the top spot, with teams from Gothenburg and Prague finishing in second and third place, respectively. The annual event rotates between different European cities, and each year presents a new set of challenges for the participants.
Celebrating Everyday Heroes
For Tomaszek and Jasnos, the competition is a chance to showcase the skills they use daily while navigating the streets of Kraków. The city’s tram system is one of Poland’s largest, playing a vital role in the daily commute of thousands of residents and tourists. The recognition at the European level is a testament to the quality of service that Kraków’s MPK provides.
The European Tram Driver Championships not only test technical abilities but also emphasize the importance of teamwork, focus, and adaptability. Tomaszek and Jasnos’s third-place finish is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the strength of Kraków’s public transport system.
With their outstanding performance in Frankfurt, the duo has brought home a sense of pride for both the city and the MPK. As tram drivers, they are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, a task that requires not just technical skills but also patience, responsibility, and quick decision-making.
This third-place victory solidifies Kraków’s position among the best in Europe’s public transport industry. As Tomaszek and Jasnos return to their daily routes, they bring with them the honor of representing Kraków on an international stage, reminding everyone that exceptional service often happens behind the wheel of a tram.
