The glory days of the TRANVIAS were featured in these
postcards during the turn of the century.
In 1881, the streetcar was introduced in the Philippines:
Its blueprint was ready as early as 1878 by Leon Monssour. However, the plans remained
as plans because there was as yet no financier.
In 1881, Jacobo Zobel de Zangroniz accepted the government's offer to construct and operate the streetcar system under a contract for 60 years.
Campania de los Tranvias de Filipinas was founded to manage the concession.
Over 1,200,000 pesetas went into the construction of the
line. Experts were hired from abroad to supervise the installation of the tracks. To
speed up the completion of the terminals in Intramuros, Binondo, Tondo, Malabon, and
Sampaloc, Chinese laborers were hired to help the native workers.
The public was enthused. Although the tranvias had seats for
12 and room for eight strap-hangers, it was normal for a car to have a total of 30
passengers. An American visitor once wrote: "It is no uncommon thing on a
slight rise or sharp turn for all hands to get off and help the vehicle over
the difficulty."
With the American takeover of the Philippines, the
Philippine Commission allowed the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company
(MERALCO) to take over the properties of the Compañia de los Tranvias de
Filipinas, with the first of twelve mandated electric tranvia (tram) lines
operated by MERALCO opening in Manila in 1905. At the end of the first year, around 63 kilometers (39 miles) of track had been laid. A five-year
reconstruction program was initiated in 1920, and by 1924, 170 cars serviced
many parts of the city and its outskirts. Although it was an efficient system
for the city's 220,000 inhabitants, by the 1930s the streetcar network had
stopped expanding.
Source: Ayala Museum Diorama Book
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1908 postcard featuring the
tranvia or tramvia (electric street tram) that used to ply the
streets of Manila. It was operated by the Manila Electric Railroad and
Light Company (the same Meralco we know today.) The tranvia operated
until just before World War 2 (WWII) broke. |
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Postcard dated 1923 showing the tramvia at Escolta. |
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Tranvia plying near Manila & Dagupan Rail Road Station in Tutuban, Manila |
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Tranvias plying the streets of Plaza de Goiti, Manila |
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Aerial view of Manila showing the tranvias in the middle of the street. Circa 1920's |
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Tranvias and cartelas were the favorite mode of transportation in the streets of Manila |
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Same postcard view on top but different artist's rendition |
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Tranvia at the streets of Manila |
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Tranvias at Escolta, Manila |
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Escolta St., Pasay Estate Agent Office on the left side |
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Tranvias regularly ply the streets of Escolta |
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Bagumbayan road from Lawton Square to Luneta Promenade, Manila |
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Rosario St., CLARKE'S Soda Fountain and Store on the right side |
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Escolta St., Singer Sewing Machine Store at the left side |
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Calle S. Sebastian, Steel church of San Sebastian on background |
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Vintage MERALCO tranvia token |
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MERALCO Tranvia Conductor's Pocket Watch MERALCO Transportation Light Power. ELGIN USA |
Thank you for this wonderful time travel to the old Philippines!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dennis it is always a pleasure to share these old postcards of the Philippines
DeleteIt's 2017, and I fell in love with your article.. It is like travelling back in time..Magnificently put together.. Thank you so much. Your blog is a ray of sunshine in this virtual abyss..
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteJust wanna inquire if it's allowed to use these images in designing? Thank you!
Maraming salamat sa pagbahagi sa amin nitong napakahalagang kaalaman.
ReplyDeleteThank you po sa information, 2022 and reading this. Calvin
ReplyDelete