You get the chance to see the city when you ride on the tram, which is really nice if you've never been to a certain part of town. The openness of the trams also makes it very easy to get on and off of the trams and know exactly where you are in the city.
Most of the trams in Essen are bright yellow, so they're very easy to spot. The tram number and the last destination of the tram are always on the side of each car. To get in, you have to push the green button next to the door and then stairs fold out to help you board. At every tram stop, there is a map that shows you where you are and where your tram will go. You'll also be able to find a timetable that tells you how often the tram comes to that stop each day. At many stations, there will be a chart that tells you which tram or train comes next and how long you have to wait for it.
Knowing all of this makes taking the tram easy, and since four different train lines pass through the station closest to my home, I never have to worry about missing my train because there are so many!
Trams are an important part of German culture because they show that people still prefer this method of transportation. They are ideal for short distances that may be too short for the subway. Since they are popular in large cities, they offer another option to cut down on car traffic which would result in more pollution.There are also places inside the trams that are fitted for baby carriages and wheelchairs, so they are accessible and make it more convenient to travel for anyone who may run into problems trying to take the narrow and bumpy sidewalks.
