Lisbon’s old 4-wheel remodelados trams have been retained not only as a tourist attraction, but as a means of providing local public transport on steep twisting streets where modern trams or busses cannot climb. The tram bodies were built by Carris itself in the 1930’s to a very traditional design, on trucks imported from Maley & Taunton of Staffordshire, England with Metropolitan Vickers electrical equipment. There is also a modern tram line (no.15) along the Tagus riverfront, giving the incongruous image of old-timers and articulated railcars sharing the same narrow gauge 900mm tracks. Line 15 is currently being extended eastwards and 20 more articulated cars will be bought for this service. The operator Carris is also seeking 10 more 4-wheel remodelados to increase capacity and to facilitate the reopening of line 24. (Previously, Carris sold several unwanted remodelados to Tranvia de Soller in Majorca, where they were covered in wooden cladding to make them look even more ancient.)

Note for visitors

The Hills Tram Tour is the same route as public tram No. 28, but with commentary, 24 hour hop-on hop-off tickets, forward facing seating, and less overcrowding/likelihood of pickpockets. It can also be bought as an add-on to the Yellow Bus Tour. Regular Carris tickets are not valid on the Tram Tour and vice-versa. Very confusingly, many guides and sellers refer to “Historic Hills Tram 28”.