}
Electric Trams
In 1895 Bristol became the first British city to install an electric tramway powered by overhead cables.
Electric trams were more cost-effective than horse trams. They could travel faster, climb steeper hills and carry more passengers. The system's electrification resulted from the efforts of businessman Sir George White and engineer Sir James Clifton Robinson,
White was a major figure, not only in the development of Bristol's transport, but also in the development of the country's transport as a whole. At the age of 18, he negotiated parliamentary bills to reform the city's failing horse-drawn tramway and in 1874 became secretary of The Bristol Tramways Co. for the next twenty years. He became managing director in 1894 and chairman from 1900 until his death in 1916. For most of his career, White worked alongside Robinson, an engineer highly skilled in tramway construction and operation. With White's entrepreneurial skills and Robinson's technological know-how, they made a visionary and dynamic team. Despite frequent resistance from local authorities and residents, both men were enthusiastic advocates of technological advancement..
The new system opened on 14 October 1895 and ran from Old Market to Kingswood. Sir George and Sir James ensured that they were riding on top of the first and second trams out of the Old Market terminus. Vast crowds thronged the streets, greeting the men with huge applause whilst buildings were draped with bunting, and church bells rang in the neighbourhoods.
Electric trams were more cost-effective than horse trams. They could travel faster, climb steeper hills and carry more passengers. The system's electrification resulted from the efforts of businessman Sir George White and engineer Sir James Clifton Robinson,
White was a major figure, not only in the development of Bristol's transport, but also in the development of the country's transport as a whole. At the age of 18, he negotiated parliamentary bills to reform the city's failing horse-drawn tramway and in 1874 became secretary of The Bristol Tramways Co. for the next twenty years. He became managing director in 1894 and chairman from 1900 until his death in 1916. For most of his career, White worked alongside Robinson, an engineer highly skilled in tramway construction and operation. With White's entrepreneurial skills and Robinson's technological know-how, they made a visionary and dynamic team. Despite frequent resistance from local authorities and residents, both men were enthusiastic advocates of technological advancement..
The new system opened on 14 October 1895 and ran from Old Market to Kingswood. Sir George and Sir James ensured that they were riding on top of the first and second trams out of the Old Market terminus. Vast crowds thronged the streets, greeting the men with huge applause whilst buildings were draped with bunting, and church bells rang in the neighbourhoods.