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Evolution of Glasgow Tramways
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Glasgow Corporation Tramways 1938 - 1962
The Glasgow tram system operated by Glasgow Corporation Transport was once one of the largest tram systems in all of Europe. The public horse-drawn tram system began operation in 1894 and electrification of routes was completed during the first part of the 20th century. The network further expanded with the acquisition of the Airdrie and Coatbridge Tramway Company in 1921 and the Paisley District Tramway in 1923.
Prior to 1938, tram routes were organised by colours (Green, White, Blue, Yellow, Red). In preparation for the 1938 Empire Exhibition, the iconic Coronation class tram cars were introducted with a new numbering system. With the rise of the automobile in the 1950s, individual lines were decomissioned in favour of buses and trolleybuses. The last tram route, Route 9, ran its final service on 1 September 1962. With it, a 91-year history of Glasgow trams came to an end.
Interested in tramway history? Be sure to visit the tram cars at the Glasgow Riverside Museum or ride the tram at the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life.
Infrastructure data was complied thanks to a map in Sir John Lindsay's book 'The Glasgow Tramways Acts,1905 to 1914' and RailMapOnline. Research by Ian Semple and Alice Cormack (former employees of the Glasgow Corporation Transport) was an invaluable resource for tramway history and individual service patterns.
This map was researched and produced by Chance Williams, a geospatial sciences student at the University of Glasgow and transit enthusiast (2023).