Tram networks and urban mobility: Evidence from German cities

What role do tram networks play in shaping urban mobility? We study the case of West Germany, where many cities decommissioned their tram systems, mainly in the 1950s and 1960s. Using data covering 120 German cities between 1948 and 1990, we analyse how tram decommissionings affected vehicle ownership and public transport use in the long run. Difference-in-differences and event study estimations show that cities that decommissioned their trams experienced a permanent increase of at least 10% in the number of private vehicles. Decommissioning trams is also associated with fewer public transport users, even when accounting for alternatives such as bus services. This suggests that rail-based transport modes such as trams are essential to facilitating the shift towards more sustainable urban transport. • Many West German cities decommissioned their tram networks in the 20th century. • Event studies and difference-in-differences exploit different decommissioning timing. • Tram decommissioning has increased car ownership and reduced public transport use. • Tram infrastructure is essential for sustainable urban mobility.