Page 16 - Linkline Summer 2017

Through Streets Broad and Narrow: Dublin Tramways
It has been more than 75 years since there has been a continuous tramline crossing between the north and south of Dublin. However, in June this year, the new cross-city Luas line was tested for the first time. Two trams travelled the 5.9km route in a ‘gauge run’ from St Stephen's Green to Broombridge, Cabra, signalling the final stages of the new line’s development which will link the Luas Red and Green Lines, when it opens to passengers in December 2017.
Trams as Dublin’s main form of transport - early 1920s, with detail of all tram routes, fares and zones, times to stops, and the long-distance lines, several kilometers out from the city, as well as the very few bus routes, and the “heavy” rail system. Credit:Wikimedia Creative Commons: Suckindiesel
This is all a bit strange considering that in the past, Dublin boasted a very impressive and expansive tram network. Up until the 1920s the tramways provided the city with its main mode of public transportation. At its peak, the system was known as technically innovative, and was described in 1904 as "one of the most impressive in the world" by Moving Through Modernity: Space and Geography in Modernism . Tramlines extended miles in every direction, spreading from O’Connell Street outwards like arteries from a heart to Dublin’s rapidly expanding suburbs; its comprehensive coverage included varied routes such as Dublin to Blessington, Phoenix Park to B dge, Rathfarnham to Drumcondra via Harold's Cross and Nelson's Pillar to Howth.
The new technology was introduced to Dublin by an American entrepreneur, George F. Train, who, in 1867, laid a demonstration section of rails along Aston Quay.
The Corporation decided these were a nuisance and ordered their removal.
However, the first Dublin tram did come into service in February 1872, operating between College Green and Rathgar. These trams, pulled by two horses, were double- deck with the driver and the passengers on the top deck at the mercy of the elements. In the early days at least, travelling by tram was predominantly the preserve of the more affluent citizens of Dublin.Trams travelled mainly to the southern suburbs of the city and catered for a mainly middle-class clientele. As the tramways were private undertakings, their primary aim was profit over public service. Over time, the tram network did spread from the lucrative southern routes towards the north side, with trams running along North Circular Road, Parkgate Street and through Drumcondra and Clontarf.
16 The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT
HISTORY