tramway

Tramway refers to a rail-based urban transit system in which light rail vehicles, commonly called trams or streetcars, run on tracks embedded in streets or on dedicated alignments. The term covers both the rolling stock and the associated track and power infrastructure, and it is often used interchangeably with streetcar or light rail depending on regional practice.

Most tramways are powered by electricity drawn from overhead lines via a pantograph or trolley pole. Some modern systems use ground-level power supply or onboard energy storage to reduce visual impact and improve flexibility. Tracks may be laid directly in roadways or on separated right-of-way corridors.

Tramways emerged in the 19th century as horse-drawn streetcars and were soon electrified. They spread across cities worldwide in the early 20th century, but many networks declined after World War II in favor of buses and private cars. A renewed interest since the 1980s has produced modern light-rail tramways.

Infrastructure comprises rails, switches, overhead wires, stops, and signals. Trams often operate in mixed traffic but newer networks use dedicated lanes or partially separated alignments to improve speed and reliability. Some networks employ tram-trains that share tracks with conventional rail.

Advantages include efficient, low-emission urban transport with high passenger capacity and good accessibility. Challenges include capital costs, route planning to avoid congestion, and maintenance of tracks and electrical systems. Modern systems address these issues with priority signaling, low-floor vehicles, and streamlined operations.

Tramways are found in many regions, especially Europe, parts of Asia and Australia, with networks in cities such as Prague, Amsterdam, and Melbourne. They are often integrated with other transit modes and are a common element of contemporary urban mobility.