In 1870, when the Tramways act was passed, towns throughout Britain began to provide a tram service for public transport. At first these were horse drawn trams running on rails, sunk flush to the road surface. The metal wheels on metal rails caused less friction than tyres, which meant that a horse drawn tram, could carry a greater number of passengers than a conventional horse drawn bus. In later years, trams were electrified and continued on into the 1960’s. In recent years, trams have re-emerged as a popular form of transport in city areas.