York Corporation Tramways (City of York Tramways)
Owner York Corporation
Took over 27th February 1909 (City of York Tramways Company)
Operator York Corporation
Last horse tram 7th September 1909
First electric route 20th January 1910
Name changed Late 1929 to York Corporation Transport Department
Taken over (operation) 1st April 1934 (York-West Yorkshire Joint Committee - a joint venture of York Corporation and the West Yorkshire Road Car Company)
Closed 16th November 1935
Length 8.49 miles
Gauge 3ft 6ins
Button description (Pattern 1) City of York municipal arms (a quartered shield bearing five lions, all overlaying a crossed sword and mace) with a cap crest
Materials known Nickel
Button Line reference [None]
Button description (Pattern 2) Title ('CITY OF YORK TRAMWAYS') within a raised rim, surrounding the municipal arms (a quartered shield bearing five lions, all overlaying a crossed sword and mace) with a cap crest
Materials known Nickel
Button Line reference [114/79]
Button description (Pattern 3) Title ('YORK CORPORATION TRANSPORT DEPT') within a raised rim, surrounding the municipal arms (a quartered shield bearing five lions, all overlaying a crossed sword and mace) with a cap crest
Materials known Nickel
Button Line reference [None]
Comments A studio portrait taken in the early years of the system strongly suggests that the initial issue of uniforms bore Pattern 1 buttons, i.e., without a system title (see link). It is likely, though by no means certain, that these early buttons were quickly superseded by Pattern 2 buttons, possibly at the time of the second issue of uniforms.
The name of the municipal undertaking responsible for the trams, buses and trolleybuses was changed to 'York Corporation Transport Department' in 1929. A photo has survived of a motorman wearing a jacket bearing 'YCTD' collar badges (see link), confirming that a switch was made to 'YCTD' insignia, new jacket issues presumably also bearing the Pattern 3 button.