"Rio de Janeiro by Streetcar" a Rio de Janeiro Travel Page by glabah

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.