From the horse-drawn trams of the nineteenth century to the larger electric models of the early twentieth, this reliable form of public transport revolutionised town travel by making it affordable enough for working people to use. From the 1930s, the rise of the trolleybus, which also picked up power from overhead cables but ran without expensive tracks, looked set to supersede the tram – but ultimately, by the 1950s, both fell victim to motor buses and private cars. However, since the 1980s the environmental benefits of light rail have encouraged a growing comeback for trams on our crowded and polluted city streets. Using beautiful contemporary photographs, this is the fascinating story of the rise, fall and revival of this everyday, yet sometimes controversial, mode of urban transport.

"Which city once had the smallest trolley-bus in the world? Where do you find the first funicular railway in Southeast Asia? How do you recognize a trolley-bus pole? Where is Tramway Road?" "With over 100 old photographs, maps and illustrations, this book gives an overview of the various forms of public transport used in George Town from 1880s to 1963, and the role this transport played in the development of the growth of George Town and Penang." "Penang was one of the first urban centres in Southeast Asia to operate steam trams, horse trams, electric trams and trolleybuses. When the Municipal Commission established its own electric supply, it took over the tram service and started the electric trams in George Town in 1906. This gave the local population excellent public transport around George Town, with one line going up to Ayer Itam. In the late 1920s, the Municipality replaced trams with trolley-buses, experimenting for a while with re-conditioned double-deckers from London Transport!" "The Municipality also operated two railways - firstly, the Penang Hill Railway which was considered an engineering marvel when it was first built, and secondly, the electric railway which transported supplies and tin ingots for Penang's foremost smelting works."--BOOK JACKET.

With a terrific selection of colour photographs, explore the history of Belgium's trams and trolleybuses.

Trams and Trolleybuses in Doncaster' is the first book in the new series 'Transport Through The Ages', brought to you by Wharncliffe Books. This delightful book traces the nostalgic journey of the trams, as a centenary history.In Doncaster, on June 2nd 1902, two major events took place; the peace agreement marking the end of the Boer War was celebrated and the town's electric tramways were opened. Richard Buckley's focus is obviously at the local level and how this astounding advent of mechanised urban transport was of great significance to the local residents of Doncaster. This authorative text tells the story of trams and trolleybuses and with 135 pictures that have never before been published this is a truly unique history. The fascinating pictures give you an impression of just how the people and places of that time have changed.Take yourself on a nostalgic journey, and see how the transitions have taken place through Doncaster, as you read 'Trams and Trolley Buses in Doncaster'.