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The only tram that Malaga has ever had in its history (which was working until December 31, 1961) is being restored by a group of workers of the EMT (the main transport company in Malaga).

Yestarday morning the old tram was picked up from Malaga’s promenade by a huge crane.

This is the last tram left in Malaga and it is the unique silent witness to the history of this kind of transportation which operated in Malaga until the early 1960s. It has been for over 40 years one of the most representative symbols of the capital, parked during 57 years at Pablo Picasso’s promenade. But yesterday, the old tram began a new journey in order to recover its original state after the damage caused by the passage of years and some irresponsible people.

After a long negotiation between the residents of the area and the Malaga City Hall they finally decided to train a group of employees of the municipal transport company (EMT) to recover the history of public transport in the city.

But it won’t be an easy task because of the current damages: wind has curved the wooden sides, the floor was fired by vandals recently, some regulators were lost and other important pieces are broken. Fortunately, the main engine is almost in perfect conditions.

A huge crane was needed to avoid any damage while moving the tram. It’s already inside the EMT’s garage, where it will be repaired. The repair works will last for at least one year or year and half and its final destination remains a mystery.

The relocation of the historic tram has changed the current landscape of this area of Malaga city. That’s why some people is already thinking about repacling the old tram by another typical monument of the city, perhaps a jabeque (a small fishing boat) is the best option.

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Malaga’s Semana Santa processions are famous – people cram together like sardines in the downtown area just to get a glimpse of the brotherhoods carrying religious images (tronos) on their shoulders. But since there are so many processions – each starting and ending at distinct spots around the city – and a record number of people, it can become tough to get from one to another or even attempt to see one in several spots of its traversal. Malaga’s urban bus company EMT is hoping to accommodate this influx of population by increasing the number of available buses, which will open an additional 45,000 seats per day. They will also make information available about the procession routes via electronic panels on the sidewalks, on each of their 250 buses, printed itineraries and SMS mobile phone updates. Sending the word TRONO to 7210 will cost you 90 cents, but you’ll know in real-time where the processions are.

EMT is putting its best face forward for the occasion, but last week it barely saved face from possible embarrassment and large loss of business. The workers had threatened to strike during Semana Santa, but agreed to the proposed salary increase over the next 4 years. The inter-city bus line Alsina Graells wasn’t so lucky, however. After the British company National Express purchased them in October, they announced some policy changes and staff cuts. So, the trade union CGT is planning a worker strike to start during Holy Week. It will take effect at 00:00 on Monday the 17th and last until midnight Wednesday, and a second period from 00:00 on Easter Sunday until 24 March.

If you’re looking for a reliable way to get around yourself, check out our cheap car hire options. If you don’t feel up to the challenge of learning a new place in the middle of a busy tourist season, you may be better off with a private transfer from our recommended partner, Economy Transfer.