Porto – Historic Tram 18

Porto has three tram lines, although they’re all run as heritage lines with no modern trams in the network. There is also a light rail system in the city and it seems positive that the trams have been preserved at least in part. Unlike in many cities though the tram system survived until well after the end of the Second World War, lasting into the 1970s. By 1978 there were four tram lines remaining, routes 1, 3, 18 and 19.

As the years went on it was clear that some provision of trams would be useful, but that the tram network wouldn’t be an integral part of the city’s transportation infra-structure. So after numerous changes and developments, the city ended up with three heritage lines, known as lines 1, 18 and 22.

And this is line 18, running from the transportation museum at Massarelo to Carmo. It’s a popular service and the tram frequently looked full when I saw it, although generally it was easier to hear it, as it’s not the quietest transportation option that I’ve ever experienced. It might be unfair to use the word rickety, but it did at times give that impression….