Electric Passenger Transport ends on London streets
photo: (c) D Williams 2004
The year 1952 saw the final appearance of the traditional tramcar on London's streets after more than half a century of service. In the nineteenth century trams were horse-drawn but from 1901 cars were electrically powered, drawing current from overhead wires (in the suburbs) or a sunken conduit between the wheel tracks. The final week's services were operated by tramcars bearing "Last Tram Week" banners and the very last tram to rumble along the capital's streets arrived at New Cross depot in the early hours of 6 July.
In 1931 it had been recommended that trams be replaced by trolleybuses. Almost exactly ten years after the trams it was the turn of London's trolleys to say farewell. The final operation of these trackless vehicles in the Kingston area came to a close on 8 May 1962 when bus 1521 pulled into Fulwell depot.
Londoners can expect to see the respective diamond and golden jubilees commemorated by special events this year. Watch the websites of London's Transport Museum in Covent Garden and the London Bus Museum at Brooklands for details.
And do look out for any showings of the classic film "The Elephant Will Never Forget" evoking the atmosphere of the last week of trams!