The evolution of the tram in Florence:

from horse-drawn to steam-powered, and finally electric

On January 20th 1958, at 1:15 a.m., tram no.17 rattled into the depot at Piazza Alberti, marking the end of an era in Florence. That was the last journey made by a “tramvai” or “tramme” (as Florentines used to call it).

Outdated rolling stock, vehicles, the resurfacing of roads to accommodate heavy automobile traffic, and competition from buses led to the decision to replace trams with more modern means of transport. Public transit shifted to trolleybuses (electric buses connected to an overhead wire network) and later transitioned entirely to standard buses.

Today, the project to restore the tram network prompts us to consider whether the decision made in 1958 might have been a bit too hasty.

But how has public transport evolved in Florence over the years?

A BIT OF HISTORY

THE HORSE-DRAWN TRAM

On April 5, 1879, the horse-drawn tramway was inaugurated, connecting Florence to Peretola. The route was extended the following year to Prato and Poggio a Caiano. The vehicles were pulled by a pair of horses, with the driver seated outside on a small box seat. Inside, passengers sat on two padded benches running along the length of the tram, facing each other. The line was managed by the Belgian company TF (Tramways Florentins). Seven lines were put into service, including the one to Sesto with a terminus in Piazza della Signoria and another to Fiesole with a terminus in Piazza San Marco.

THE STEAM TRAM

The first steam tram line, from Piazza delle Cure to San Domenico, was inaugurated on May 19, 1886. The steam tram resembled a small locomotive but was more compact. Additional routes were later introduced to Poggio a Caiano, Campi, Signa, and Greve. In 1890, the Chianti line was inaugurated and proved highly popular, remaining in operation until July 31st 1935.

THE ELECTRIC TRAM

In 1890, the Belgian company TF ushered in the era of the electric tram.

The first electric tramway in Italy was inaugurated on September 19, 1890, running from Florence to Fiesole.

The tram was 6 meters long, with glass windows. Depending on the direction of travel, the driver would operate from one of the two semicircular platforms at either end of the vehicle. Inside, seating consisted of transverse wooden benches, and there were two positions for the ticket collector.

Subsequently, a 7-km-long electrified line to Bagno a Ripoli was added, along with another line to the Cascine. By the early 1900s, the municipal tram network spanned 18 km, enabling access to the city’s outskirts from central terminuses. Around 1920, line numbers were introduced, and the numbering system remains roughly the same as today’s city buses.

In the 1940s, the network was managed by FIAT, and from January 1st 1946, it became publicly operated under ATAF (Azienda Tranviaria Automobilistica Filoviaria). By 1951, ATAF had fully restored the network after wartime damage. Once again, the tram connected the city center to the outskirts, just as the new tramway will do today.