Nowatorstwo czy false start? Pierwsze omnibusy konne we Wrocławiu
Inventiveness or false start? First horse-drawn omnibuses in Wrocław

Summary/Abstract: In 1840, as an initiative of two entrepreneurs, horse-drawn omnibuses were launched in Wrocław (then Breslau). They were operating at pre-established hours on outlined routes, which was tantamount to the beginning of public mass transport in the Silesian capital. First connections reached towns on the outskirts of Wrocław – Popowice (Pöpelwitz), Szczytniki (Scheitnig), Osobowice (Oswitz), or Borek (Kleinburg) – and served mainly recreational purposes. In the same year, lines in the inner city center appeared, connecting the Great Cemetery on the present Legnicka Street (Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße) with Wróblewski Square (Mauritiusplatz) and present Kościuszki Square (Tauentzienplatz) with Zatumie (Hinterdom). It is worth mentioning that the omnibus lines in Wrocław came into being at the same time as in Berlin, while only the latter ones are considered the earliest example of internal city communication in Germany. Despite a considerable popularity of omnibuses among Wrocław citizens, a part of the society and also part of the press looked upon the new mean of transport with disapproval. This led to quick loss of clients and suspension of the lines after only several months of operation. Interestingly, the failure of the venture arose not from technical problems, but social determinants. Author of the article focuses his attention on this very aspect, quoting extensive fragments of contemporary press texts presenting the reception of new mean of transport among the citizens of Wrocław.

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