The towns of East and West Maitland had been in existance for over a century when it was decided that some definate form of public transport had to be evolved.

In 1901 a Tramways act was drawn up to enable construction of an Electric tramway between the two towns. History tells us that the tramway did not proceed at that time in it's electric form but was the forerunner of a Steam service proposal for which public and bussiness agitation began in 1902.

It was not until 1907 that the act was passed allowing for a Steam Tramway to be constructed between the two towns.

The first sod was turned in july 1907.

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