tramways

Tramways are rail-based urban transit systems in which light rail vehicles travel on tracks laid in city streets or on segregated alignments. Most systems use electric propulsion drawn from overhead lines, or sometimes third rails, but some modern variants may use on-board batteries or ground-level power supply.

Vehicles include traditional streetcars (also called trams or trolleys) and modern low-floor trams designed for rapid boarding. They operate at street level, sharing road space with other vehicles, but may run on dedicated tracks in central corridors or along reserved rights-of-way. Typical routes include frequent stops and moderate speeds, delivering high passenger capacity and acceleration adequate for urban travel.

Origins date to the 19th century with horse-drawn or steam-powered trams. The first electric tramway was opened in Lichterfelde, near Berlin, in 1881, developed by Werner von Siemens. Electric traction soon spread worldwide. After mid-20th century, many networks were reduced or replaced by buses and cars, but from the 1980s onward tramways experienced a revival with the development of light rail and tram-train concepts that combine street-running with longer-distance rail lines.

Modern tram systems rely on electric overhead contact wires supplying DC power, though some networks use alternative or supplementary power sources. Infrastructure often includes modern low-floor vehicles, accessible stops, real-time information, and network optimization through signaling and reserved lanes. Trams are typically energy-efficient, offering low emissions and quiet operation, especially when powered by renewable electricity.

They remain a common feature of urban mobility in many regions, valued for capacity, reliability, and integration with other public transport modes, and they continue to evolve with advances in materials, energy storage, and grid management.