A detailed history of the Bochum-Gelsenkirchener Strassenbahn (often abbreviated to BOGESTRA) tram and bus network serving the cities of Bochum, Gelsenkirchen and Herne and the surrounding areas, published to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the founding of the BOGESTRA as a company in 1896.
The book is divided into chapters covering different periods and aspects of the network’s history, including:
- The early years of operation, and the founding of the Bochum-Gelsenkirchener Strassenbahnen AG
- Freight transport on the tramway network
- Development of the bus network from the 1920s onwards
- The role of female staff during the two world wars and in recent decades
- Infiltration of the company by the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party) during the Third Reich, wartime staff shortages, employment of Hitler Youth members as assistant conductors, use of forced labour, bomb damage during World War II.
- Post-war developments: route closures, creation of a Stadtbahn network, opening of the first tunnel sections, the phasing out of conductors.
- Catering for large crowds during major events, such as football matches and religious gatherings including the 1987 visit of Pope John Paul II and the 1991 Kirchentag (church congress).
- Introduction of hybrid and battery electric buses
- “Netz 2020”: December 2019 timetable changes, enhanced bus and tram service frequencies, new tram routes for east Bochum.
160 pages. Over 300 photos. German text. Hardback.