Trams in Lugano
| Operation | |
|---|---|
| Locale | Lugano |
| Open | 1896 |
| Close | 1959 / 1964 |
| Status | closed |
| Routes | 5 (4 municipal; 1 independent) |
| Infrastructure | |
| Track gauge | 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) metre gauge |
| Propulsion system(s) | electric |
| Electrification | 400 V three-phase AC (to 1910) 1000 V DC (after 1910) |
The Lugano tramway network (Italian: Rete tranviaria di Lugano) was part of the public transport network of Lugano, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, for over half a century. Opened in 1896, the network was progressively replaced by the Lugano trolleybus system by 1959, with one independent line surviving until 1964.
The main part of the network was operated by the Società luganese dei tramway elettrici, which, after several subsequent name changes, is now known as the Trasporti Pubblici Luganesi. However one route was independently operated as part of the Lugano–Cadro–Dino regional railway.
Lugano railway station first opened in 1874, and by 1882, Lugano was connected to the north over the Monte Ceneri Pass to Bellinzona, and the Gotthard Rail Tunnel beyond that. The first local transport need in the city was to link the station with the city, which was well above the city in its lakeside location. To that end, the Lugano Città–Stazione funicular was opened in 1886.
However further economic development, not least because of the coming of the railway, led to Lugano spreading beyond its original lakeside core, resulting in further need for local transportation. The Società luganese dei tramway elettrici (Lugano Electric Tramway Company) was responsible for constructing the city's urban tramways, which went into service in 1896.
Initially the trams were supplied with electricity at 400 V three-phase AC. In 1910 the system switched to 1000 V DC.
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