The first old postcard scene shows a sea of trams around the Post Office corner (six of them); the second, one turning from Victoria Ave into Taupo Quay where the railway station was located; the third a view further up Victoria Avenue. Wanganui had electric trams from 11 December 1908 to 24 September 1950. The service went two ways from the city centre, inland to Aramoho and out to Castlecliff and the Port. The Castlecliff route competed with the Castlecliff railway and the success of the trams at winning patronage led to the cancellation of passenger trains in April 1932.
As was usually the case, trams were replaced by buses in 1950.
The Tramways Wanganui Trust is currently completing restoration to running order of Wanganui tram No.12 and plans to renovate Wanganui tram No. 8 and New Plymouth Birney No. 8 to run on a heritage tram line currently being planned alongside the Whanganui river between the new tram shed and the berth of the Paddle Steamer Waimarie.
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