Today, we delve into a pivotal moment in Glasgow's public transport history—the day the trams stopped running. On September 4th, 1962, the clattering and clanging of trams on Glasgow's streets came to a halt, ending an era that had defined the city’s landscape and daily life for nearly a century. But to understand the significance of this day, we must first look back to the very beginnings of public transport in Glasgow, and the evolution that led to the rise—and eventual fall—of the city’s tram system.
Before the introduction of trams, Glasgow’s streets were dominated by horse-drawn omnibuses. These large, horse-drawn carriages, often called “three-in-hand” for the three horses pulling them, were the primary mode of public transport. While they provided a crucial service, the ride over the cobblestone streets was notoriously bumpy and uncomfortable. The idea of running the carriage wheels on rails promised a smoother journey, which appealed greatly to the city’s commuters.
The transition to trams began in earnest when the Glasgow Town Council obtained permission from the Westminster Parliament through the Glasgow Street Tramways Act, passed in August 1870. This act allowed for the construction of tramlines in the city, and just two years later, in 1872, the first tram route was laid out. The initial line ran for two and a half miles, connecting St. George’s Cross to Eglinton Toll. This route, passing through key areas like Sauchiehall Street, Renfield Street, and Jamaica Street, marked the dawn of a new era in Glasgow's public transportation.
Initially, the trams were horse-drawn, just like the omnibuses they sought to replace. However, the introduction of tracks made the ride much smoother, and the trams quickly gained popularity. Unlike the omnibuses, trams could carry more passengers, and the smoother ride over rails was a significant improvement over the bumpy cobblestones. This new form of transportation was not only more comfortable for passengers but also easier on the horses, as pulling the trams along metal rails required less effort than dragging carriages over rough streets.
As the popularity of trams soared, so did the network. By the mid-1870s, routes had expanded to include connections between Whiteinch and Bridgeton Cross, St. Vincent Street and Dennistoun, and Eglinton Toll to Crosshill, among others. The Glasgow Tramway and Omnibus Company, under the leadership of Andrew Menzies, operated these routes until 1894, when the lease was not renewed by the now-rebranded Glasgow Corporation.
From that point, the city took full control, establishing the Glasgow Corporation Tramways. This move marked a significant shift as Glasgow became the first city in Great Britain to own and operate its public transport system. With the Corporation at the helm, the system expanded rapidly, with lower fares and new routes that attracted even more passengers.
The turn of the 20th century saw another transformation with the electrification of the tramways. In 1898, Glasgow began converting its horse-drawn trams to electric power, starting with a test route from Mitchell Street to Springburn. The success of this route, particularly on the steep inclines of West Nile Street, led to a rapid electrification of the entire system. By 1901, the electric trams were running throughout the city, providing a faster, more efficient, and cleaner alternative to the horse-drawn predecessors.
The electric trams soon became a defining feature of Glasgow. They were faster, more reliable, and capable of carrying more passengers than their horse-drawn counterparts. Glasgow’s electric tram network grew to become the largest in Europe, and the city’s streets were filled with the sight and sound of trams for the better part of the 20th century.
However, by the 1950s and 1960s, the era of the tram was waning. The rise of the automobile, coupled with the expansion of bus services, meant that the once-modern tram system was now seen as outdated. Despite public sentiment and fond memories of the tram era, Glasgow Corporation made the decision to phase out the trams in favor of buses, which were seen as more flexible and economical for the evolving needs of the city.
And so, on September 4th, 1962, the last tram made its journey through the streets of Glasgow. This marked the end of an era—a farewell to a beloved mode of transport that had served the city for nearly a century. The final tram, filled with enthusiasts and well-wishers, passed through the city’s streets, a poignant reminder of how much had changed since those first horse-drawn omnibuses rattled over the cobblestones.
Today, we remember the legacy of Glasgow’s trams. Though the tracks have been lifted and the depots repurposed, the memory of those bustling, clanging, and colorful tramcars remains a cherished part of Glasgow’s history.
September 4th, 1962 - Glasgow's Trams Stopped Running