"Rio de Janeiro by Streetcar" Rio de Janeiro Travelogue by glabah


Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: 4,276 reviews and 6,621 photos

The Streetcar Terminal

Unfortunately, the terminal for the Bonde Santa Tereza is this ugly modern station. The line was originally built in 1896, but the terminal station was rebuilt as the downtown area of the city changed.

The Terminal Yard

In contrast to the rather plain modern structure, the streetcar terminal yard, on the platform side, is garden-like. Here is where you board the cars for a ride up the hill.

Crossing the Bridge

An impressive bridge is the first part of the line. This huge bridge was originally part of the water system, and it was the reason why the odd gauge of 1,100 millimeters was chosen as the gauge of the track. You will also notice that the cars appear to be rather narrow-shaped. This is, again, because of this bridge, as well as the narrow streets in Rio de Janeiro.

Steep and Narrow Streets

The streetcar line climbs steep and narrow streets (in many places there are 8% grades), and frequently has conflicts with traffic. In at least one occasion, streetcar operators from two streetcars stopped and pushed an auto that was blocking the line. This appears to be routine. Also routine, the cars also have armed guards on all runs, due to the high crime rate in Rio de Janeiro.

A View of the City

The streetcar has a number of really good views of the city. This is just one of many.

A Stop at the Fire Station

The cars came to a stop at this fire station, and someone yelled "Photo Stop". A few got out and took photos of the cars.

The View

Despite the fact that many were concentrating on the bondes, and their unusual trip over this particular line (which apparently has not been in regular service since 1998), I also looked around a little, and found that this location also provides some spectacular views of the city.

The End of the Line

The end of the line that is out of service is the old transfer station between the streetcars and the incline railway that goes up to the top at Pao de Acucar. The station is no longer used, and the streetcar line no longer delivers tourists to this location.

Despite the fact that this station has been closed since at least 1998, it is still possible for groups to charter streetcars to this location, as our group did.

Two other interesting electric railways in Brasil are the Itatinga Tramway and the EFCJ up the mountains to Campos de Jordao and the highest point on a railway in Brasil.

Three interesting steam train operations, within one day's travel of Rio de Janeiro:

- The resort complex at Grussai features restored sugar cane locomotives.

- Cruzeiro features a small wood burning steam locomotive that climbs into the foothills.

- The resort at Sao Lourenco features two wood burning Pacific type locomotives.

  • Page Updated Apr 14, 2004
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Comments (4)

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  • Ewingjr98's Profile Photo
    Ewingjr98 Sep 5, 2010 at 11:19 AM Report Abuse

    I enjoyed your page. Rio is a place I'd like to visit sooner rather than later!

  • DennyP's Profile Photo
    DennyP Feb 10, 2009 at 6:19 PM Report Abuse

    Hi Glenn..This trip brings back so many memories..so good to see. I lost all my photos from here..Thanks ..the photos transport instant memories..

  • yumyum's Profile Photo
    yumyum Oct 7, 2008 at 12:58 PM Report Abuse

    I've taken a journey on that tram line too! My dad is tramway fan. I must have in me too.

  • GinGinCoo's Profile Photo
    GinGinCoo May 14, 2004 at 10:17 PM Report Abuse

    Nice Rio pages, good job! - Jean

glabah

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