First electric tram service in Brisbane

On May 19, 1891, Brisbane launched its pioneering electric tramway network, the first in Australia, running from the city center to the suburbs. Using overhead trolley wires and innovative Sprague motors, the system replaced horse-drawn cars and dramatically increased passenger capacity. Engineer J. S. Badger oversaw construction amid debates over electrification safety. This innovation reduced urban congestion, supported population growth, and influenced similar projects in Sydney and Melbourne. The trams became iconic symbols of Queensland's modernization and operated successfully for decades, shaping the city's layout and daily life for generations of commuters.