Contents:
| The story of Halifax transport |
The Halifax tram service started in June 1898, and was one of the first tram services in Britain.
After the Halifax Corporation Tramways Act [1897], Halifax Corporation trams commenced 9th June 1898.
Because of delays due to the inspection by the Board of Trade, public services did not begin until Tuesday, 29th June 1898.
Halifax Post Office was the focus of many routes.
This was one of the first electric tramway systems in the country.
A part of the flooring of the vehicles was removed to allow passengers to see the motor working.
The first trams were open-top vehicles manufactured by G. F. Milnes & Company. These seated 20 on the lower deck and 24 upstairs
In 1903, more open-top vehicles were bought, bringing the fleet to 94. One of these – tram Number 71 – was fitted with a collapsible roll-top cover on the top deck.
Halifax trams had a gauge of 3 ft 6 inches. Huddersfield trams had a gauge of 4 ft 7¾ inches. Bradford trams had a gauge of 4 ft 0 inches. The different track widths prevented the Halifax services linking with those of Huddersfield.
Numbered routes were introduced on 2nd November 1927.
The Halifax tram system was at its peak in 1929 with 106 trams running on 58 miles of track, and finally closed on February 14th 1939.
The local topography created difficulties for trams.
Buses gradually replaced the trams.
The system closed on 14th February 1939 when the last tram ran on the Ovenden route leaving from the Queen's Head, Illingworth.
Buses now serve most parts of the district.
During World War II and the Blitz of 1940, London Transport appealed for help with transport in the capital. Halifax was the first town to respond by sending 2 Park Royal Regent buses to London.
| Some links to local transport |
The Calendar of Significant Events gives the dates of significant events in local transport history
| Some other related entries |
Page Ref: T1070_1
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