Kirkcaldy Corporation Tramways

Kirkcaldy Corporation Tramways operated a tramway service in Kirkcaldy between 1903 and 1931.[1]

Kirkcaldy Corporation Tramways
Operation
LocaleKirkcaldy
Open28 Feb 1903
Close15 May 1931
StatusClosed
Infrastructure
Track gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Propulsion system(s)Electric
Depot(s)Oswald Road, Gallatown
Statistics
Route length6.11 miles (9.83 km)

History

Services started on 28 February 1903.[2] From 25 August 1906 through services were operated by the Wemyss and District Tramways Company on their route to Leven, Fife.

The power station was commissioned by the local authority and located in Victoria Road, Kirkcaldy. It was specially built to power the tramway. Construction began in 1899 to designs by local architect William Williamson, with the contractor McLaughlan of Larbert. Three Stirling boilers with five steam engines by Browett, Lindley & Co of Patricroft, drove alternators from Lawrence Scott and Electromotors of Norwich. The first power was produced in December 1902.

The Kirkcaldy Tramway had two main routes, a lower one extending into Dysart, and the upper one connecting with the Wemyss and District Tramways Company line. Both routes were linked by connections on Whytescauseway and St Clair Street.

Despite a report from Alexander Kennedy and Sydney Donkin which recommended upgrading the system, the corporation failed to act, and system reliability was affected. In 1928, a bus service provided direct competition with the tram service.

Closure

Services were closed on 15 May 1931. Some of the tramcars remained in service with the Wemyss and District Tramways Company until this closed in 1932.

References

  1. The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.
  2. The Golden Age of Buses, Charles, Klapper, 1984
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