Melbourne and Kolkata are rare examples of non-European cities that have continuously operated tram systems since the 1800s. Both cities have a history of decorating their trams - Melbourne Festival began Art Trams in 2013 as a revival of a similar project that ran in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Tramjatra began in 1996, about two years after a visit to India by Melbourne tram conductor Roberto D'Andrea. Mr D'Andrea became friends with local tram conductors and became involved in a bid to save Kolkata's tram network from closure. Part of that campaign involved decorating four trams, which was the start of what's become an annual tradition in the city.

Photograph courtesy Mr. Roberto D'Andrea.