The very first 500 mm. electric tram installation operated in Caen for one week during the Industrial Exhibition held 10-17.06.1883.

A 1000 mm horse tramway operated since 1895.

The permanent 1000 mm. urban electric tramway network operated in the city between 1893 – 1937. Three services were initially operated over six branches, with the fourth service added upon converting the operation via one of the branches into the feeder shuttle. The system was somewhat skewed geographically as it mostly served the city center and the eastern suburbs of the city, with only short extensions to the south and to the north of the city center. The eastern part of the city was not served at all. Two additional branches were fully built but were never operated due to contractual disputes.

10-17.06.1883 – Operation of an electric tram line serving the industrial exhibition.
1895 – A horse-drawn tramway opens.
29.11.1901 – A classic urban electric tramway system opens.
23.01.1937 – The classic urban electric tramway system closes.

Track length: 11 054 meters (one-way).
Gauge: 1000 mm.

Most of the system was single track with passing points. There were two short double-tracked exceptions: the 280 meter-long section via Rue Guillaume le Conquerant that was used by both Lines 2 and 3; the 170 meter-long section on the bridge over the River Orne and the adjacent Alexandre III Square.

Approximate headways for each of the three lines in 1907:
10 minutes
(20 minutes for outer sections of Lines 2 and 3 served by each 2nd car)

City trams had no designated stops and picked / dropped off passengers on demand.

Double-ended 2-axle single motor cars equipped with trolley poles. Upon sysstem’s closure all remaining cars were sold to the city of Cherbourg.