Imagine this: you’re cruising through Beirut without the usual traffic chaos, gliding past packed intersections on a smooth, quiet tram. Sounds too good to be true? Maybe not for long.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport is seriously looking into reviving Beirut’s historic tramway system – and honestly, it’s about time.

Trams once ruled the streets of Beirut. They first hit the tracks in 1908, running along 12km of road and operated from 6am till midnight – and was never late for nearly 60 years before being phased out in 1965.

Back then, they were a reliable and elegant way to get around the city. Now, 60 years later, the idea of bringing them back is picking up steam.

Potential routes could connect key areas in and around the capital such as Beirut to Hazmieh, Khaldeh, and Dora.

Let’s be real – traffic in Beirut is brutal.

Commutes that should take 15 minutes can take over an hour (or more). A tramway system could take some serious pressure off the roads offering a better alternative.

For now, the idea is still in the planning and study phase. But the fact that it’s even being considered is a hopeful sign.