Trams of Lisbon

The trams of Lisbon are a main tourist attraction because of the routes they take up and down in this hilly city.

Since 1872 trams of Lisbon had been a mayor system of public transportation. It´s relevance declined with the introduction of buses and the construction of a subway system in the postwar period. Today only 5 lines remain, running on tracks of approx.30km length.

From the four lines Nr. 28 is the most attractive one as it runs trough the mayor districts of Alfama, Chiado and Barrio Alto. For this the tram has to ascend quite steeply.

The wagons used are called “remodelados”, because they were originally build between 1935 and 1940 and have been modernized in 1995/1996. The original wooden structure was preserved. The steal construction was renewed by MAN, a german manufacturer, the electric system by Kiepe, also from Germany. The wagons are 8,38 m long and 2,38 m wide.

Line 28 is used of course by the locals but from early morning to the evening the trams are packed with tourists. The old lady seemed rather annoyed by the number of foreigners around here. So to capture “normal” people on the tram one has to get up early.

During our stay in Lisbon I passed by every day a very steep alley descending right to sea level. Compared to the standard fee on Line 28 of 1,40 Euro the fee for this little tram is 3,60 Euro.

Coming from the other side a day later I entered the gate of the “Ascensor da Bica”. So this gives a name to this tram. Actually the word “tram” is wrong. There is maybe no correct english translation to this. The wagon could be considered an elevator because it basically only connects two points. There are three more ascensors in Lisbon.

And of course there is the most traditional and well known “Elevador de Santa Justa”.Well, no doubt, this is real elevator.

I guess it doesn´t matter how you name it, the most important thing is to get up and down easily and without too much sweat, right ?