Oporto Trams Past and Present

A 2 disc DVD. On the 1st disc, we trace the history of Oporto’s first-generation tramway, up until its closure in 1996, using extensive archive sound film shot in the 1980s and 1990s. Some of the earlier tram routes went over to trolleybuses from 1959, including some double-deckers, and these are also featured. The centenary of electric trams was celebrated in 1995 when crowds turned out to see former mule tram number 22 re-enact the original run from Carmo to Massarelos. During the celebrations, a number of restored museum trams gave free rides between Carmo and Boavista which are seen in action. A number of Oporto trams came to Britain. Bogie car 273 is seen in operation at the National Tramway Museum, Crich, and 2-axle car 196 at the Beamish Museum. On Disc 2 we see trams operating on the three heritage routes, as well as the short-lived Tourist route T. We also visit the impressive tram museum at Massarelos, where there are examples of many of the different types that graced the city’s streets. The creation of the heritage routes involved laying new tracks in parts of the city that had not seen trams for many years and relocating tracks along the historic waterfront onto a reservation. We also visit the impressive Light Rail network, which has grown to 67 km with 80 stations. Branded as Metro do Porto, it currently has six lines, all of which intersect at Trindade. The most impressive feature is where it crosses the river Douro on the upper deck of the Dom Luis II Bridge.