Lisbon man breathes new life into city’s historic trams

Trams have been transporting Lisbonites up and down the city’s hilly streets since 1901 and they are still popular. In recent years, locals have complained about often being unable to use them for their daily commutes due to hoards of tourists eager to experience the most iconic routes.

Before buses and the metro began dominating the city transport system from the 1960s onwards, hundreds of trams circulated on more than 100 km of tracks. Now there are about 50 historic trams left. Marques, who also owns a tram-themed restaurant in downtown Lisbon, became hooked on his journeys to school as a boy.

With few resources and little equipment, he and his associates often use their bare hands to repair the trams, which date back as far as 1906. Their newest acquisition is from 1961. It can take up to five years to bring them back to life but it is always worth the wait to see them move along the short piece of track he has installed outside. “Anyone who comes here, whether they like trams or not, is dazzled by the collection,” a proud Marques said. “Collectables are usually small, not life-size. This is unique.” His goal is to make sure people do not forget the tramway’s contribution to Lisbon’s history and its expansion as a city.

He sometimes hosts groups of enthusiasts but keeps the location of the warehouse low-key after some of his equipment was stolen. His ultimate dream is to open his own tram museum.” If something happens to me, this will have continuity,” he said as he looked at his 14-year-old son, who is equally passionate about trams. “In his generation, it will be easier for my dream to come true.”