Tram

Tram  is a rail vehicle that operate on publicly laid tracks in streets. The tram history goes back to the early 19th century, progressing from animal, steam, and cable-driven modes before gradually switching to full electrification. Despite the automotive competition in the mid-20th century, which led to the closure of many historic systems, there has been a global resurgence in recent decades through modern light rail systems.^[1] uuuu

History

19th Century, Origins to Electrification

The world's first passenger tramway began with the Swansea and Mumbles Railway in Wales, UK, operating on horse-drawn vehicles since 1807. In 1832, New York City inaugurated the first urban street line in the United States, using horsecars. During the 1870s, mechanisation progressed markedly as steam-driven engines took over from animal power, with the advent of cable cars following shortly thereafter. The pivotal technological advancement took place in the 1880s with the introduction of electric traction. In 1881, Werner von Siemens introduced the first electric railway in Berlin, whereas Frank J. Sprague transformed the sector in 1887 with his invention of the spring-loaded trolley pole for drawing current from overhead wires. By 1914, when World War I erupted, urban growth on various continents had led to electric streetcars becoming the dominant mode of city transportation.^[2] 

Mid-20th Century, it's  Decline to Closures

After the war ended, tram networks began experiencing a significant global decline. The availability of affordable personal vehicles and the efficiency of diesel buses made traditional trams financially less competitive. The systematic removal of train tracks in North America was sped up by corporate acquisitions in the region, leading major urban areas to phase out streetcars by the 1950s. Similar closures were observed in Western Europe and Asia. By the 1960s, most major Indian cities had phased out legacy systems, with the Kolkata Tramways, which began operations in 1873,^[3]  being the sole remaining active network in the country^{[4] [5]} 

Modern time  Light Rail system 

In the latter part of the 20th century, growing worries about traffic jam and air pollution led urban planners to revive the tramway concept. Starting with the Nantes tramway reopening in 1985 in France, cities globally began substituting bus routes with advanced light rail transit (LRT) systems. Modern vehicles incorporate integrated low floors for improved accessibility, separate right-of-way lanes to circumvent traffic congestion, and catenary-free setups powered by onboard batteries or ground-level energy sources. Today, alongside numerous modern electric networks, which are being constructed, legacy systems like Melbourne's—widely recognized as the world's largest operating system—continue to function, offering sustainable public transportation.^[6]