Spaces & Flows: Ninth International Conference on Urban and ExtraUrban Studies

Abstract

Santos, one of the twenty oldest Brazilian cities, is a traditional seaside resort in Brazil with 430,000 inhabitants, also known as the Brazilian cruise ship capital, receiving about five million tourists each year. The vintage tram system emerged as a strategic mobility alternative as a result of a plan aimed at reconfiguring the abandoned city center into a touristic attraction, transporting people in the historical city center, while also safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage. Several aspects are considered in this program. Former drivers were invited to return as “Tram´s Grandfathers” and are operating the trams nowadays, a five kilometer ride has been implemented passing through touristic attractions, some of the trams were donated by Sister Cities around the world, Santos’ history is told while people are transported through the historical city center, and the tour departures from a restored 1800’s train station and arrives at the Pele Museum. This is a sustainable action that has impacted the city center revitalization, mainly through the opening of restaurants, companies, and building restoration.