“It seems like only yesterday when the tramway used to pass by here” says Salim, 78 years old habitant of Dora. “I used to take the train from Dora to the Tower’s Square (also known today as Martyrs’ Square)”. Given the size of the tramway and the resemblance that it bares to the train, many like Salim use the word train to describe it.

The tram had two traveling destination, the first from Furn Al Chebak to Manar - “Near the once famous Saroufim restaurant” says George, 80 years old - with stops in Bab Idriss and the Martyrs’ Square. The other way was from Horsh to Basta, going through Riad el Soleh and across Gemmayze, finally ending up in Dora.

The rides stopped at midnight; thereafter the wagons were parked near what is known today as the lawyers syndicate in Al Adlieh Area. Even this common transportation was sorted into coach and first class passengers.

“The Primo class was at 10 cents” remembers George. The so called “Primo” was supposed to be the first class seats where passengers would occupy straw seats, while the hard wooden seats were at 5 cents and considered as economy class. However, depending on your own legs for your comfort was at a quarter of a cent.

You could always travel “On” the tram for free by a very popular way: hanging on to the back of the wagon and swinging back and forth to avoid being caught by the conductor.