Trolleys, Trams, and Light Rail Around the World

A global journey exploring vibrant streetcar systems and their enduring legacy.

Lifelong streetcar enthusiast Kenneth C. Springirth asks you, the reader, to join him on a thrilling ride to the greatest centers of streetcar heritage across the world. Starting at Pittsburgh’s iconic downtown subway, you will travel to the Isle of Man, with its amazing open-air horse-drawn trams, and Blackpool, with its neat, well-patronized double deckers. Several stops are made in mainland Europe: in Amsterdam, for instance, where the municipal authorities have revitalized the popular tram system; and Helsinki, where the network has seen recent investment and expansion. In the Far East, there are stops in Hong Kong, home to the world's largest fleet of double-decker trams, and further south, in Melbourne, which boasts the largest streetcar system in the English-speaking world. Then it’s a long hop over the Pacific to Toronto, Canada, where you’ll find what is arguably the most impressive trolley car system in North America. After these highlights and many more, you will surely be convinced of the exciting future of this unparalleled form of public transportation. So come aboard, join the ride on this grand tour of thriving streetcar networks across the globe.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6; Introduction 7; 1 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, Light Rail System; 2 Toronto, Canada, Streetcars; 3 Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, & Douglas Horse Tramway; 4 Blackpool, England, Trams; 5 Amsterdam, Netherlands, Trams; 6 The Hague, Netherlands, Trams; 7 Rotterdam, Netherlands, Trams; 8 Lisbon, Portugal, Trams; 9 Porto, Portugal, Trams; 10 Zurich, Switzerland, Trams; 11 Basel, Switzerland, Trams; 12 Bern, Switzerland, Trams; 13 Geneva, Switzerland, Trams; 14 Neuchatel, Switzerland, Tram; 15 Helsinki, Finland, Trams; 16 Melbourne, Australia, Trams; 17 Adelaide, Australia, Trams; 18 Hong Kong Trams.

Kenneth C. Springirth, with a lifelong interest in rail transportation. Born and raised in the United States, he commuted to Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University) in Philadelphia by trolley car, subway, and sometimes commuter train. His father was a trolley car motorman in Philadelphia, and his grandfather was a trolley car motorman in Washington D.C. A detailed researcher, Ken's interest in rail transportation by 2013 has culminated in writing 20 books on trolley car systems and railroads covering a variety of locations.