Bucharest’s “Bell Ringer” Tram Driver Celebrates 10 Years at STB
Bucharest’s public transport authority, STB, is celebrating Georgeta Dumitrache, known affectionately as “Clopoțica” (Little Bell), a tram operator who has worked for the company for a decade. The recognition, announced on March 1st, highlights Dumitrache’s dedication to her role navigating the city’s tram lines.
Dumitrache earned her nickname during her final exam at tram operator school. According to STB, she frequently used the tram’s bell to ensure pedestrians and other drivers were aware of her presence, prioritizing safety. “The bell is the second brake,” her instructor told her, a lesson she has carried throughout her career.
While Dumitrache holds a degree in Marketing, she chose a profession often considered physically demanding. She initially began operating a Tatra tram on line 35, but now drives an Imperio tram on line 25. The transition to the larger Imperio, with its 36-meter length, presented a challenge. “I was scared,” she said, according to STB. “It’s a bigger responsibility. But if I had to start over, I would still be a tram operator. I love this profession. It’s not easy, but nothing easy brings satisfaction.”
Dumitrache’s commitment extends beyond routine operation. Recently, during a period of heavy snowfall in Bucharest, she discovered a lost husky wandering on the tram tracks. She secured the dog and contacted her son, who took it to a veterinarian. The dog was identified through its microchip and returned to its owner. Dumitrache declined any reward for her actions, stating she was simply moved by the sight of the lost animal. “I cried when I realized that dog was lost. It ran all the way from Domnești and got on the tram at Preciziei,” she recounted.
Operating a tram in Bucharest requires constant vigilance, particularly during peak hours. Dumitrache emphasizes the importance of anticipating the movements of other vehicles and pedestrians, utilizing the tram’s bell to signal her presence. “The tram isn’t a car, it takes a long time to stop, sometimes needing 20 meters to brake. I have to anticipate every move,” she explained.
STB shared a video of Dumitrache on its Facebook page, celebrating her dedication and the positive impact she has on the city’s commuters. As of today, STB has received no complaints about Dumitrache’s service.