Christchurch tramway system

The history of the tram in Christchurch goes back to the year 1880. During the first half of the 20th century, an extensive tram network was created, the lines were shut down at the beginning of the 1950s again gradually. Since 1995, the tram runs again on a two and a half kilometers long circuit, but has rather the character of a tourist attraction as a means of transport.

History

The first tram in Christchurch drove from the March 9, 1880 from the square to the Cathedral to the station of Christ Church by the Colombo Street. In the following years, additional lines were opened with horses or steam traction, including by Addington, Woolston, Heathcote, Papanui and Sumner.

From 1905 began to gradually convert the operation to electric traction. The largest expansion of the power generated in 1922 with 86.1 km length of the route. After the Second World War, the operation but became increasingly uneconomic, so the lines were closed again successively, the last in 1954.

In the 1960s, attempts were made to bring the tram through a museum route in Ferrymead Historic Park back to life, but which failed. At the beginning of the 1990s finally matured the plan to build the current round course. In 1995 the facilities were completed for the round course and operation of the historic tram could be included. In 2005, the Wood Scenic Line Ltd the operation and management of the museum tram from the city and is still active as an operator.

Today's state

The now operated by the Wood Scenic Line Ltd Tramway Museum operates on a two and a half kilometer circular route through the city and is one of the tourist attractions of Christchurch. Today, it is also intended for their historic fleet exclusively for trips and tourists and not for commuting. During the visit, the course, the tram stops at a total of 11 stops, in which the passengers have the option of getting in and out. During the trip, some of the drivers tell a lot about the city's attractions.

The fleet currently consists of 5 historical tram vehicles that hear the name The Boon, The Brill, The Boxcar, The Melbourne W2 and Tramway Restaurant, the latter vehicle, is as the name suggests, turned into a restaurant car. In addition, located in the car park a trailer, which bears the name of The Duck House, as well as a certificate from the early days of horse tram set, the Dunedin Horse Tram is called. All are original preserved historic vehicles that were built mostly in the first quarter of the 20th century for the tram in Christchurch.

Due to the strong earthquake on 22 February 2011 created damage to the network that are currently under investigation. Therefore, the operation rests at the time.