PORT ELIZABETH'S FIRST TRAMLINE FOUND

In June 2010, a piece of Port Elizabeth’s original tramline was unearthed next to an old condemned bridge at the bottom of Brickmakerskloof by an excavator digging a channel for a new sewer line. An undamaged 2m long piece was donated to the Bayworld Museum. The tramline was part of the link between the Brickmakerskloof tram sheds and the main shed near the mouth of the Baakens River. The piece was found about one metre below the surface. Possibly after the 1968 flood, the level of the roadway was raised by about half a metre to keep vehicles safe and dry. As trams were no longer in use, the rails were tarred over. James BRISTER, who owned a furniture business and later became Mayor of Port Elizabeth, was involved in starting the public transport system in early Port Elizabeth.

The Port Elizabeth Tramway Company Act was passed by the Colonial government on 11 September 1878. Five horse-drawn tram cars were brought in from the United States of America and the service started operating on 14 May 1881. The first line ran from Market Square to Adderley Street, and took 25 minutes. A ticket cost sixpence first-class and threepence second-class. On 22 February 1888, the line was extended to Prince Alfred’s Park (the present-day Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium). In 1895, Parliament passed an Act allowing the municipality to construct an electric tramway and the Port Elizabeth Electric Tramway Company was registered on 09 May 1896. Ten trams were ordered from the JG Brill Company of Philadelphia, USA. Electricity to power the trams was provided by a power station. The first electric tram in Port Elizabeth was driven on 16 June 1897 from Market Square to Prince Alfred’s Park. Two weeks later the company put their 26 horses, stables, smithy and residences in North End up for sale/rent. On 04 July 1897 a double-decker tram was tested up Russell Road. A new single-decker tram was also successfully tested. The journey started at the power station, to Walmer Road, then to Prince Alfred’s Park in North End. The route was opened to the public on Tuesday, 20 July 1897 and the trams Port Elizabethans until the last car returned to the tramways building on 17 December 1948.
Source: Port Elizabeth - A social chronicle to the end of 1945, by Margaret Harradine.

TRAMWAYS BUILDING TO BE RENOVATED

The historic Tramways Building in Valley Road, Port Elizabeth is to be refurbished and turned into an entertainment hub. The tender to redevelop the building was awarded to Pambili Developments (Pty) Ltd. The historic landmark is the first state-owned property to be released on a 40-year lease basis for private development in the inner city. The building was erected in the 1800s and over the last few years became a decaying and derelict eyesore. Since the tender was awarded, the project has been hit by various snags and work has not yet started.