Trams in Athens

Trams in Athens have existed in two separate generations, the first from 1882 to 1960, and the second since 2004. There were no trams at all in Athens between 1960 and 2004, though the separate Piraeus-Perama light railway remained in operation between nearby Perama and Piraeus until 1977.

Athens' first-generation metre gauge tram network began operation as a horse tram system, before being converted to electric trams in the early twentieth century. The original Athens tram network completely closed by 1960.

Trams returned in 2004 with the opening of a standard gauge modern tram network in Athens just prior to the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Trams made their first appearance on the streets of Athens in 1882. As with the first tram systems in most cities, these were horsecars pulled by three horses. The tram system ran on metre gauge rails. The first 16 tram vehicles were lightweight vehicles, using covered tops for the winter and providing 16 seats, and using open tops for the summer which provided 20 seats. The 800 horses that were used for the early tram network were from Asia Minor, and their relatively small size were appropriate for the sloping streets of Athens and the tramway's continuous stops.

The first tramlines connected the center of Athens with the suburbs (as they were at that time) such as Patissia, Ampelokipi and Kolokinthou. Other lines connected Omonoia Square with Syntagma, Gkazi, Keramiko Dipilo. By 1902, tramlines served Ippokratous, Mitropoleos and Acharnon streets as well.

The steam-powered tram of Faliro started its operation in 1887. Having its starting point in front of the Academy of Athens it traversed Panepistimiou street, Amalias and Thisseos avenues, traveling to Tzitzifies and from there along the coastal road to end up at Faliro, which at that time was the location of seaside resorts and sea baths. This line was converted to electricity when the rest of the tram network was.

On 30 October 1908, the operation of the first metre gauge electric tramways began in Athens, which would gradually replace the horsecar trams. In the two years that followed, the tram network acquired 257 vehicles – 150 of them were motored while the other 107 were trailers – along with the previous tramcars, which were reused as trailers. These new tram vehicles for use on Athens' electric tramways were built in Belgium and had a beige livery; they were closed-top, had electric lighting, and comfortable seats with a prediction of 16 seats for sitting patrons and 14 places for standing patrons. The motorized trams had two motors which were ideal for the lines on the slopes of Athens. At that time, the cost of the trip was just one penny.

With electrification, the tram system expanded until the network consisted of 21 lines.