広島電鉄's car 1156, the Animal Tram being restored to its former Kobe City Tram livery, will end operations in September 2026. It is scheduled to begin operating in the Kobe City Tram-era design on 18 October, with a yellow stripe planned for a limited period.
広島電鉄 tram car 1156, the “Animal Tram,” was a popular local vehicle for many years, with animals including tigers, ostriches and lions painted on its exterior. Its operation as the Animal Tram ended in September 2026.
The vehicle was purchased from Kobe City Transport Bureau following the abolition of the Kobe City Tram system. A design modeled on the livery used during its Kobe City Tram era was created in Hiroshima in 2000. The body also featured animal-themed messaging inspired by trams in Hanover.
A plan has been announced to restore the vehicle to its Kobe City Tram-era colors. The restored green livery is expected to be two-tone, with green on the lower body and moss green on the upper body. Car 1156 in the restored design is scheduled to begin operating on 18 October 2026.
The Kobe City Tram-era livery had a yellow line at the boundary between the two colors. The restored vehicle is therefore also planned to operate with a yellow stripe for a limited period, currently expected to run through approximately 23 November 2026.