Opened on 2 February 1891, the network was operated initially byhorsecars.[1] From 14 February 1906, it was converted to electrical power.[2]
Beginning on 26 August 1936, the trams were gradually supplemented by theJohannesburg trolleybus system, which was opened on that day.
However, the tramway network lasted for several more decades, until its closure on 18 March 1961. The last scheduled trams ran on the Kensington, Bez Valley and Malvern routes on the day before, and on the day of closure special commemorative trips were run. The trams on those routes were replaced by buses.
At least one rail car, car #60, has been conserved and is now exhibited at the Tramway Village in Crich (UK).[3]
Pabst, Martin (1989).Tram & Trolley in Africa. Krefeld: Röhr Verlag.ISBN3-88490-152-4.(in English and German)
Patton, Brian (2002).Double-Deck Trams of the World: Beyond the British Isles. Brora, Sutherland: Adam Gordon.ISBN1-874422-39-7.
Spit, A H M; with additional material by Patton, Brian (1976).Johannesburg Tramways: a history of the tramways of the City of Johannesburg. London: Light Railway Transport League.ISBN0900433558.
Media related toTrams in Johannesburg at Wikimedia Commons
