The Johannesburg tramway network formed part of the public transport system in Johannesburg, South Africa, for just over 70 years until the start of the 1960s.

Johannesburg tramway network
Operation
LocaleJohannesburg, South Africa
Horsecar era: 1891 (1891)–ca. 1906 (ca. 1906)
Status Closed
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Propulsion system(s) Horses
Electric tram era: 1906 (1906)–1961 (1961)
Status Closed
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Propulsion system(s) Electricity

History

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Opened on 2 February 1891, the network was operated initially by horsecars.[1] From 14 February 1906, it was converted to electrical power.[2]

Beginning on 26 August 1936, the trams were gradually supplemented by the Johannesburg trolleybus system, which was opened on that day.

However, the tramway network lasted for several more decades, until its closure on 18 March 1961. The last scheduled trams ran on the Kensington, Bez Valley and Malvern routes on the day before, and on the day of closure special commemorative trips were run. The trams on those routes were replaced by buses.

See also

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References

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Notes

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  1. ^ "Timeline: Johannesburg 1800-1991". South African History Online. South African History Online. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2012.
  2. ^ "Timeline: Johannesburg 1900-1976". South African History Online. South African History Online. Retrieved 31 March 2012.[permanent dead link]

Further reading

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  • Pabst, Martin (1989). Tram & Trolley in Africa. Krefeld: Röhr Verlag. ISBN 3-88490-152-4. (in English and German)
  • Patton, Brian (2002). Double-Deck Trams of the World: Beyond the British Isles. Brora, Sutherland: Adam Gordon. ISBN 1-874422-39-7.
  • Spit, A H M; with additional material by Patton, Brian (1976). Johannesburg Tramways: a history of the tramways of the City of Johannesburg. London: Light Railway Transport League. ISBN 0900433558.
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  Media related to Trams in Johannesburg at Wikimedia Commons

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