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Berlin Electric Tramway

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The Berliner Elektrische Straßenbahnen Aktien-Gesellschaft lit. 'Berlin electric trams joint-stock company'; abbreviated as BESTAG, was an electric tram operator in Berlin, active from 1899 to 1920. It evolved from the electric tramways initially operated by Siemens & Halske, earning the colloquial nickname "Siemensbahn" among Berliners. In 1895, Siemens & Halske launched Berlin's first electric tram line, connecting Gesundbrunnen to Pankow. A second line opened in 1896, linking Friedrichstadt to the Great Industrial Exposition of Berlin grounds in Treptower Park. By 1916, additional routes extended to Französisch Buchholz and Rosenthal, with the Pankow and Treptow networks connected via the Lindentunnel. In 1919, Berlin, which held the majority of BESTAG's shares, converted the company into a municipally owned corporation. In December 1920, BESTAG merged with the Große Berliner Straßenbahn (SSB) and the Städtische Straßenbahnen (SSB) to form the Berlin tramway. The tram lines from Pankow to Buchholz and Rosenthal remain part of Berlin's tram network, while other BESTAG routes have been decommissioned.