TransAdelaide operates South Australia's only remaining tram line - from Adelaide to Glenelg. The trams are an ever popular option for commuters, attracting a large number of tourists and workers travelling between the City and Glenelg every day.

In May 2003, Premier Mike Rann and Transport Minister Michael Wright announced a $56 million upgrade for the Glenelg Tram Service.

The upgrade includes nine articulated air-conditioned light rail vehicles, which will be able to seat up to 80 people. They will be fully accessible under the Disability Discrimination Act standards with low floor entry and provision for wheelchairs as well as being environmentally friendly with low noise, negligible local pollutants and aesthetically pleasing designs. An upgrade of the track and passenger stops will also be included.

History

The historic tram line dates back to 1873, when it was set up as a private railway. It came under the control of the South Australian Railways in 1899.

Trains operated on the line until the Municipal Tramways Trust (MTT) purchased the railway. The MTT began operating electric trams along the route on 14 December 1929. Between 1930 and 1939, two special horse-trams were used to carry racehorses to the Morphettville Racecourse, situated along the Adelaide to Glenelg tram route.

In the past, the trams have also been used to carry parcels and mail. When they were first built, the trams used special trolley poles to collect power from overhead power lines. These poles were replaced with pantographs in 1986 when TransAdelaide's new depot was opened at Glengowrie.