Transport and Mobility

Main Post Office building before the war

The important elements of transport communication in the city were electric trams, the fastest transport available then. At the beginning of the First World War, the total length of tram lines in the city was 24.4 km. During the war, a significant part of the electric network was damaged and, as a result, the tram did not function for almost a year.

In the first days of November 1918, the tram traffic, according to eyewitness accounts, took place on a routine schedule. Initially, an agreement was reached between the Ukrainians and the Poles to ensure the normal transportation in the city. Later, however, the Ukrainian authorities found the provision of such "benefits" to the citizens dangerous, since it was almost impossible to control the flow of passengers, and the Poles used trams to transport ammunition. Therefore, the Ukrainian military command ordered to stop the tram traffic in the city. In addition, damaged electrical lines became a threat to the lives of Lviv residents. Instead, the railway stations, including the main one, kept working, connecting the warring parties with their rear parts in the province.

The inhabitants of the houses, located directly in the zone of fighting, were affected worst of all. In such cases, people could be hiding in the basements for weeks without replenishing food and water supplies. Away from the front line, however, there were specific restrictions and prohibitions too, such as closing gates at night or keeping records of dwellers. As Ukrainian patrols were sometimes attacked by Polish civilians, one tenth of tenants were executed, if any hidden weapons were found in the house.

Transport and Mobility

Main Post Office building before the war
Main Post Office building after the war destruction
Main train station