The Tokyo Toden (東京都電, Tōkyō Toden) or simply Toden, is the tram network of Tokyo, Japan. Of all its former routes, only one, the Tokyo Sakura Tram, remains in service. The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation operates the Toden. The formal legal name is Tokyo-to Densha. Its nickname, "Toden," distinguished it from the "Kokuden" (the Japanese National Railways electrified lines).
The network had a track gauge of 1,372 mm (4 ft 6 in), except for the former Seibu Railway lines which were 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in).
History
At its peak, the Toden system boasted 41 routes with 213 kilometres (132 mi) of track. However, the increase in reliance on automobile traffic resulted in reductions in ridership, and from 1967 to 1972, 181 kilometres (112 mi) of track were abandoned as the Bureau changed its emphasis to bus and subway modes of transportation.
1903: The Tokyo Horse-drawn Railway changed its motive power to electricity and, under the name Tokyo Electric Railway (or Tōden, 東電) commenced operations between Shinagawa and Shimbashi.
1903: The Tokyo Urban Railway (or Gaitetsu, 街鉄) began operations between Sukiyabashi (in Ginza) and Kandabashi.
1904: The Tokyo Electric Railway (Sotobori Line) connecting Shimbashi Station and Ochanomizu opened.
1905: The three companies published the "Tokyo Geography Education Streetcar Song" to promote knowledge of the geography of Tokyo.
1906: The three companies merged to form the Tokyo Railways.
1911: Tokyo City purchased the Tokyo Railways, established its Electric Bureau, and inaugurated the Tokyo City Streetcar (東京市電) system.
1911–1922: The streetcar network expands, with various new companies and lines serving areas in the city and to the west.
1933: The route from Shinagawa Station to North Shinagawa Station is abandoned.
1933–1943: New companies, mergers, and realignments alter the network.
1943: Tokyo City is abolished and the larger Tokyo Prefecture assumes its administrative functions. The Tokyo City Streetcar bureau becomes the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation.
1967–1972: A plan for financial restructuring is put into effect in seven stages, resulting in the closing of routes.
1974: A plan for abandoning the remaining track is cancelled. The remaining routes are consolidated into a single line, named the Arakawa Line.
1978: One-man operation begins.
1990: The 8500 Series rolling stock is introduced. It is the first new design in 28 years.
2000: A new station, Arakawa-itchūmae, opens between two existing stations.
2007: 9000 Series rolling stock was scheduled for introduction.
Former lines
The network in 1961
This is the list of former lines, listed according to their official names. Corresponding routes are those of 1962. The first section of the lines opened in the listed opening years, while the last section of the lines closed in the listed closing years.
Routes
As of 1962, there were 41 routes in operation; the maximum for the system:
