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Sunderland District Electric Tramways

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Sunderland District Electric Tramways
Map of the route of the Sunderland District Electric Tramways
Operation
LocaleGrangetown, Ryhope, Philadelphia, Hetton-le-Hole
Open10 Jun 1905
Close12 Jul 1925
StatusClosed
Infrastructure
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Propulsion system(s)Electric
Depot(s)Philadelphia
Statistics
Route length14.28 miles (22.98 km)

The Sunderland District Electric Tramways operated an electric tramway service from Grangetown to Easington Lane between 1905 and 1925.[1]

History

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The company was registered on 5 November 1903.[2] Construction took nearly 18 months and the system was ready for opening on 10 June 1905. The main route of the tramway ran from Grangetown via Herrington to Easington Lane, with branches to Fencehouses and Penshaw.

The Newcastle upon Tyne Electricity Supply Company built a power plant at Philadelphia, behind the Lambton, Hetton & Joicey Collieries power station. The tram depot was located next to it and could house eighteen trams.

On 3 January 1921 through running started between the Sunderland Corporation Tramways system at Grangetown.

Fleet

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Closure

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The company disposed of some trams in 1924 to Bolton Corporation Tramways. The remaining trams were sold in 1925, sixteen to Grimsby Corporation Tramways and others to Manchester Corporation Tramways. The tramway system closed on 15 July 1925 and the company was renamed as the Sunderland District Omnibus Company, running a fleet of blue buses.

References

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  1. ^ The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.
  2. ^ The Stock Exchange Year Book 1908