They collect electricity (240volts) from overhead wires (called catenarys) through trolley poles or pantographs. The rails arn't electrified. Trust me. I'm a tram nerd.
The overhead wires are actually at a constant 600V as + and the rails act as -. Though in principle you don´t get a shock ift the tram wheels happen to be on sand, which is used to give more friction in winter, is is possible to get a 600V shock. If you ever see a tram being towed (pushed) the driver puts on 600V rubber gloves and also lowers the Pantograph.
the 600V is used for the motors and one of the breaking systems.
Trams were used in Auckland between 1902 to 1956. (Electric trams).
Electric trams are associated with German inventor Werner von Siemens
Fyodor Pirotsky
The first electric tram operated between Box Hill and Doncaster from 1889 to 1896 when it was abandoned. After that cable trams ran exclusively until 1906 when the first permanent electric tram service began operation in the North Melbourne area. Cable trams were progressively phased out but continued to operate alongside the electric network until 26 October 1940.
Melbourne is known for its electric trams.
A tram can be a monorail without wheels.
The motto of Yarra Trams is 'Love Your Trams'.
Two hundred years ago, South Shields did not have trams, as the first horse-drawn trams in the UK were introduced in the 19th century, around the 1800s. The development of tram systems in towns like South Shields began later, with electric trams becoming popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Therefore, it is accurate to say that there were no trams in South Shields 200 years ago.
Yarra Trams was created in 1999.
Inekon Trams was created in 2001.
Trams in Milan was created in 1876.
Trams in Turin was created in 1871.