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Trams, buses, cars... The centre of Helsinki began to feel congested in the 1950s.

Some people questioned the need for trams. The following extracts are from a letter published in Hel-singin Sanomat in 1959.

"...If trams were gradually scrapped, this would ease traffic in Helsinki and reduce Helsinki City Transport’s losses. People could reach their destinations quickly in buses...

...One can only wonder that the forces in the City Council, who in modernizing Helsinki are ready to tear down any building if it is in the way of their cars, are not getting rid of such an antique as trams."

What kind of equipment does a line repairman need? His toolbox includes eight manual stone drills, insulator pliers, switch pliers, line traightening pliers, three T-shaped socket wrenches and two pairs of pliers for removing wire holders.

A ticket punch is a conductor’s most important tool. For over half a century conductors cancelled tickets by punching a hole in them. In 1956 time stamps were introduced, to be followed in the 1970s by ticket stamping machines.

Eager new drivers, including women, in a course photo from 1968. The first post-war women drivers went to work in 1966.

Ten-trip ticket from 1964 front and back. The ticket advertises a hand cleanser.