What is the oldest electric train still running?

THE WORLD'S OLDEST WORKING ELECTRIC RAILWAY Welcome to the Volk's Electric Railway, a fascinating piece of living history on Brighton's beautiful seafront. As the oldest working electric railway in the world, we're proud to have been transporting passengers in style since 1883.



The title for the oldest electric train still in regular passenger service generally belongs to the Volk's Electric Railway in Brighton, England. Opened on August 4, 1883, by Magnus Volk, it is the oldest continually operating electric railway in the world. While some museum pieces exist elsewhere, the vintage wooden cars on this narrow-gauge line still carry tourists along the Brighton seafront today. Another strong contender for "oldest" in a more heavy-rail context is the Manx Electric Railway on the Isle of Man, which has been using much of its original rolling stock from the 1890s since its inception. These systems are incredible feats of Victorian engineering, predating the widespread adoption of the automobile. Riding these trains is like stepping back into a "steampunk" reality where the hum of early DC motors provides a soundtrack to the journey. Their longevity is a testament to the simplicity of early electric motor design and the dedicated maintenance of preservationists who keep these historic sparks flying well into the 21st century.

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World Metro System Facts
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