Trams in Brazil serve as a dynamic symbol of both historical legacy and modern urban innovation.
Brazilian tramways have journeyed from early horse-drawn and battery-powered beginnings, through electric expansion, decline in the mid-20th century, to a renaissance today in both heritage routes and modern light rail. Lines like Santa Teresa blend nostalgia, culture, and urban charm, while the VLT Carioca demonstrates forward-thinking, sustainable transport design.
Together, they showcase Brazil’s evolving approach to mobility—honoring its past while innovating for the future.
Early Tramway Beginnings
Tram systems in Brazil originated in the late 19th century. One notable early example includes battery-powered trams in Niterói in the 1880s, followed by tram and bus hybrid systems powered similarly on Avenida Rio Branco in Rio de Janeiro between 1918 and 1929. Across the country, 19th‑century developments introduced horse‑drawn and steam‑powered trams, initially serving urban and interurban areas.
The Golden Era: Widespread Tram Networks
By the early 20th century, tram lines were widespread in Brazilian cities. A comprehensive registry exists on tramway systems by state, reflecting their importance in urban mobility . These systems used diverse gauges and electric power, transforming urban transportation until mid-century.
Decline and Closures
Between the 1950s and 1970s, tram systems were systematically dismantled, replaced by buses and cars. By 1971, most tram systems—including the network in Santos—had ceased operations . Today, only a few heritage lines remain active.
Heritage Tramlines Still Operating
Santa Teresa Tram – Rio de Janeiro
- Inauguration & Technology: Started in 1877, electrified in 1896, making it Latin America’s oldest electric tram.
- Route: Serves a 6 km route from Carioca (downtown) up to Dois Irmãos, passing through Santa Teresa’s hills.
- Historic Status: Declared a national historic monument in 1985.
- Modern History:
- Operated continuously with only a 2011–2015 suspension due to a fatal derailment in August 2011.
- Reopened in phases (2015–2019), with a new heritage-style fleet of 14 replica cars; Paula Mattos branch reopened in January 2025.
- Uses unusual 1,100 mm gauge, 600 V DC, and trolley poles.
Today, it operates daily with vintage-style cars, offering scenic and cultural value.
Santos Heritage Tram – São Paulo State
Following closure of its original tram network, Santos introduced a heritage service with vintage cars around Praça Mauá. This maintains the city’s historical link while serving tourists and enthusiasts.
Others
Other restored heritage trams now operate in Belém and Campinas—such as Parque Portugal, which opened its four-tram loop in 1972.
Modern Revival – Light Rail Systems
VLT Carioca – Rio de Janeiro
- Launch: Introduced ahead of the 2016 Olympics; first phase opened 5 June 2016.
- Network: 28 km across 4 lines and 43 stations, connecting key hubs like the bus terminal and airport.
- Technology: Uses 32 Alstom Citadis 402 trams with ground-level power supply (APS) and onboard supercapacitors—eliminating overhead wires.
- Impact: Reduces traffic congestion, modernizes public transit, and integrates with buses and metro.
Significance of Trams in Brazil
| Era | Role & Impact |
|---|---|
| 19th–20th c. | Foundation of urban transport in major cities. |
| Post‑1960s | Replaced by buses; tramways largely removed. |
| Heritage Revival | Historical identity preserved in tourist and cultural contexts. |
| Modern Era | Light rail returns with high-tech solutions—combining heritage and efficient transportation. |