Perth Trams
Trams
Perth tramways were initially operated by a British company, Perth Electric Tramways Limited. Track construction started on 30 January 1899 and services officially started on 28 September of that year. The first line ran 4.8 kilometers along Hay Street, from the car barn in East Perth (near the WACA cricket ground) to Thomas Street, West Perth. Further lines were built in subsequent years to Subiaco, Nedlands, Mount Lawley, Victoria Park, North Perth Osborne Park and Inglewood.
In 1913 the State Government purchased the system and embarked on a program of track and fleet renewal, with some expansion. New tramcar bodies were constructed at the WAGR workshops at Midland Junction.
The depression followed by World War II brought together a combination of factors which eventually proved to be lethal for the tramways: an aging tramcar fleet, aging infrastructure and years of delayed maintenance; all compounded by heavy use during the war years. The fact that much of the track was single, including some at the side of the road, would have meant additional expense if it were decided to modernise the tramway system. Also increased use of private cars, especially after the ending of petrol rationing in 1949, reduced tram patronage and increased crowding on the roads.
Tram lines were progressively closed from 1950 and replaced by trolley buses, with the main tramlines closing in 1958. The last tram #66 ran from the Inglewood terminus to Barrack st on 19 July 1958. (Trolley buses did not last much longer; they were completely phased out by the end of 1969.)
There is a postscript on #66. After completing its run, it was ceremoniously escorted into the East Perth Car barn by a band of marching girls. Fifty three years later in 2011 the restored #66 was recommissioned on the Tourist tramway system at Whiteman Park and was escorted out of the car barn by the same group of marching girls.
The Perth Electric Tramway Society is acknowledged as the source of information for the above summary and the attached photos. For further information please refer to the Society's website at Perth Tramways, accessed 14 April 2020.
Author: Perry Beor
14 April 2020
