My final post on this subject (for now). I absolutely love these two separate graphics that take a previous version of Matt Johnson’s graphic (which only compared streetcar systems in the US) and add either Melbourne’s comprehensive tram network or Toronto’s streetcar network at the same scale.

To be honest, I almost didn’t believe the Melbourne one when I first saw it – surely the creator had muddled up miles and kilometres! – and had to double check to make sure. It’s accurate.

Of course, Melbourne and Toronto are two of the few cities in the world where tram/streetcar operation have been continuous since their initial date of operation – electric streetcars began running in Toronto in 1892, while the first electric trams appeared in Melbourne in 1906. Looking at the US map, it can be seen that the historical streetcar networks of Philadelphia and New Orleans (a remnant of a much larger system) are the closest in scope and size to these two powerhouses; while the new, modern streetcars are much smaller, acting as downtown or inner city circulators, rather than a comprehensive city-wide transit system.

Sources: Melbourne – Crikey.com, Toronto: Adam Wenneman/Twitter