Tramcars

Tramcars, commonly known as trams or streetcars, are rail vehicles designed for urban passenger service. They run on steel rails embedded in streets and are powered by electricity from external sources, most often via overhead lines. Trams can operate in mixed traffic or on dedicated track corridors and may consist of a single car or longer, multi-unit formations.

The tram system began in the 19th century with horse-drawn streetcars. Electric traction began in the 1880s, leading to rapid adoption across Europe and North America by the early 20th century. In some regions the term 'streetcar' is preferred, while 'tram' is common in other areas.

Modern tramcars vary in design. Most use DC traction motors supplied by overhead lines, commonly 600–750 volts. Power is collected with pantographs or trolley poles. Vehicles range from single cars to articulated units; many are bogie-based, while older designs were two-axle. Accessibility has driven many to low-floor configurations.

Trams operate on streets with tracks, often sharing space with other traffic but increasingly using reserved lanes or segregated rights-of-way. Signaling, crossovers, and traffic priority help coordinate movement. Rail upkeep, overhead-line maintenance, and platform access are central to operations and safety.

Today, tram networks remain common in many cities worldwide, valued for quiet operation and energy efficiency, particularly when powered from renewable sources. They are usually integrated with broader public transit systems and, in some places, are considered a form of light rail.