If you think of Lisbon's trams, two things probably spring to mind: The colour yellow and Route No.28! Tourism promotion in Portugal, and the city of Lisbon, has capitalised on these two factors for decades now and there's no doubt that these small four-wheeled trams and the No.28 are so historically and culturally important - but there's a lot more to Lisbon's trams than this!
Following years of route closures and fleet reduction in the late-1990s, 25-years later, now into the 2020s, Lisbon's trams are on the rise again. With the future of the 90-year old Remodelados secure, some of the old routes are reopening, with long-lost terminals and junctions going back in. Huge extensions of some routes are planned and a further 15 brand new low-floor trams are now being delivered.
The depth and scale of Lisbon's trams could never be covered in one programme, so this - the first of a proposed series - offers an overview of the entire system. There's a look at the five routes operated by the Remodelados - 12, 18, 24, 25 and 28 - with roadside, on board and driver's eye footage; a look at the No.15 route - worked by the modern Articulado trams by day, but Remodelados at night; the tourist trams; the main depot at Santo Amaro; a visit to the Museum da Carris with a delightful display of the old fleet plus Lisbon's funiculars.
As an introduction to Lisbon's trams, this first programme includes a free 12-page booklet with a brief history, maps, a fleet list and other tram information.
Produced by - Train Crazy
Duration - 96 minutes
Format - 16:9 widescreen
DVD and Blu-ray (1 disc)
Released - October 2023