Melbourne Tram History

Horse Trams

For the first 40 years of tramway operation, 7 horse tram routes were operating in Melbourne. They were run by a group of different organisations.

Horse trams traveled smoother than horse drawn omnibuses and were able to carry more people. But the problem was they left piles of manure and urine everywhere.

Cable Trams

The first cable tram line opened in Richmond (The Richmond Line) on the 11^th of November, 1885 the first line in the cable tram network. The councils of Melbourne and 10 encircling municipalities (the governing body of such a district or community) built a system of cable-hauled tramways between 1885 and 1891.

It took more than 50 years until the electric tram system replaced the system.

Passangers on cable trams enjoyed smooth ride and frequent service. When the first cable line was opened to Richmond, trans left/ arrived every 4 minutues.

The cable tram network stopped running in 1940. Apart from relics that private collectors have, little evidence survives of the networks existence.

Electric Trams

The first electric tram to run in Australia was shown during the Centennial International Exhibition in 1888. From 1889 till 1896, this vehicle and a second car ran a regular tramway service between Box Hill Station and Doncaster.

Electric trams came back in 1906, with the opening of the Victorian Railways line from St Kilda to Brighton. The North Melbourne Electric Tramway and Lighting Company opened routes from Flemington Bridge to Essendon and also the Maribyrnong River.

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (M&MTB) reformed the old cable system between 1924 and 1940. Heaps of new, large, electric trams were built to replace the small cars that used to be operated by the municipal tramway trusts.

Trams are still a major source of transportation in Melbourne!