The konka toponym comes from the Russian word “Konka”, meaning a horse-pulled tramway, which first appeared in Tbilisi in 1883. The horse carriage originally was used for moving goods, but later authorities began using it for transporting the public. Back then, the open carriage could carry up to 20 passengers and was driven by two horses. In several locations of Tbilisi where the ascent was steep, the carriers could use additional horsepower.
The konka system did not have stops and operated on the same principle as the modern marshrutka. In 1904 it was replaced by an electric tram, but people just couldn’t part with it. And as a reminder of the old good days, the Tbilisi authorities decided to put one on Bambis Rigi Street next to the Tamada Monument. It is one of three trams in Tbilisi: another is located along the Tbilisi City Defensive Wall next to Shavteli Street and the Crazy Dancing Guys Monument, and one newly placed at the renovated Orbeliani Square.
