When it comes to public transport there’s nothing quite like a short hop in a tram. The very first passenger tram was a horse drawn affair that had its maiden voyage on the Swansea and Mumbles line and recently celebrated its bicentennial in Wales. Despite their decline in Britain, trams are still fashionable in European cities, the US and Down Under. A common reason levelled at their wane in popularity as with other forms is that you have to base your schedule on their timetables which can be inconvenient. This is why urban travel can sometimes be easier if you own a city car.
I like the look of trams making their way through cities; there’s just something historic, but at the same time, modern about them. They are almost street furniture in their own right. Like all public transport each individual company maintains a unique livery but, on special occasions sometimes they allow artists their chance to tinker. As well as the official makeovers I also like some of the unofficial daubings that are done by decent graffiti artists on derelict carriages.
In the UK there are still a few trams running; the obvious place of course being Blackpool! So let’s start by popping over to Fleetwood, Lancashire.
This tramway runs between Fleetwood and the holiday resort of Blackpool, is 110 years old and carries 6,500,000 passengers a year.
Now, over to Melbourne, Australia Yarra Trams marked their centenary with a colourful Andy Warhol-esque makeover.
Staying Down Under and it’s off to Glebe, New South Wales and the ersatz Rozelle Tram Depot. This is the largest of the five remaining depots in Sydney and could hold around 200 trams.
Read More
Here, graffiti artists let loose their artistic talents and have effectively turned this derelict site into an urban art gallery with colourful installations.
Using a model gives this shot an extra dimension.
Nice lighting.
Leaving Australia for the European country of Croatia and its capital city, Zagreb. The official graffiti artwork on this tram just looks amazing.
And here’s my pick of some of the rest.
What better way to conclude than to take a peek at some recent Christmas liveries?
In 2010, visitors to Romania would be greeted by these oddly weary looking characters.
And finally, it’s off to Milan, Italy. In 2010, a celebrated graffiti artist, Pao redecorated the livery of this tram with a festive feel. Can you smell that panettone, a tasty treat originally from this city?
Stick ‘em up!
