This article shows results of field studies of tram-traffic-speed performance carried out to assess tram trip efficiency in the city of Ekaterinburg. It considers core problems caused by lack of priority to public transit traffic in general, and tram traffic in particular. The study covers the up-to-date foreign and domestic experience in using the systems providing priority to public transit vehicles. It includes proposals to increase speed rates and the expected outcome from the proposed measures. © 2023 Author(s).