We swap Europe for New Zealand for the next few weeks of “Around the World in Trams”. We will be taking a look at a few of the vehicles which operate on the Ferrymead Tramway in Christchurch.
The Ferrymead Tramway first opened in 1968 between Bridle Path Road and the edge of Ferrymead Reserve. Extensions followed in 1971 (across the reserve), 1974 (to the paddock loop), 1976 (to Truscotts Road) and finally 1984 (the completion of the township line and loop). Services today don’t run on this complete route though because of a dispute with the neighbour of the Park so trams only operate between the Bridle Path Road tram barn to the township loop at Truscotts Road.
The line is operated by the Tramway Historical Society who use a number of local and not so local trams which have been restored back to their former glory.
Two of the Christchurch trams which operate on the tramway are included in the below photo. The leading car is 152 a Christchurch Boon car built in 1952 and its hauling trailer 115 dating from 1906. The pair are climbing Worcester Boulevard over the River Avon.
Photograph by Mervyn Williams, 26th September 1996