Birkenhead Corporation Tramways

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Birkenhead Corporation Tramways
File:Vintage tram at the Wirral Bus & Tram Show - DSC03148.JPG
Operation
Locale Chester
Open 4 February 1901
Close 17 July 1937
Status Closed
Infrastructure
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in)
Propulsion system(s) Electric
Statistics
Route length 79.08 miles (127.27 km)

Birkenhead Corporation Tramways operated a tramway service in Birkenhead between 1901 and 1937.[1]

History

The Birkenhead Corporation Tramway company was formed through the acquisition of the Birkenhead United Tramways, Omnibus and Carriage Company on 31 December 1900, and the Wirral Tramway Company on 8 May 1901, and the Birkenhead United Tramways Company on 24 January 1901.

Electrification of the system was undertaken and 44 tramcars were ordered from G.F. Milnes & Co. and built locally in their factory at Birkenhead. Services started on 4 February 1901.

Closure

File:Birkenhead - old tram at Mersey Ferry Terminal - geograph.org.uk - 97978.jpg
Car No 7 preserved on static display in the Mersey Ferry Terminal

The first closure was on 30 August 1925, when the Claughton Road route was converted to bus operation.

The remaining routes were closed over successive years until the system finally closed on 17 July 1937.

Car No 7 is preserved on static display in the Mersey Ferry Terminal

Car No. 20 is preserved on the Wirral Tramway.

References

  1. The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.