Automobile traffic rose greatly in the decades that followed and in the early 2000s, the city was plagued with congestion in central areas.

Construction was originally expected to start by the end of 2011; however, due to the delayed Environmental Impact Report, this date was pushed back to 2015.

[10] In the finalized plan, the Buca Tram line was removed due to pressure from the Ministry of Transport.

The first tram vehicles were delivered in 2016 and showcased at the İzmir International Fair in August of the same year.

[12] The general name of the system was branded Tram İzmir by the Metropolitan Municipality.

Then after Sadık Bey, the two lines run parallel to each other, between the seaside and the west-bound Mustafa Kemal Sahil Boulevard.

The line then turns onto Şair Eşref Boulevard, where the tracks are laid on the left most lane of each direction.

The system operates on its own right of way as well as automobile lanes, despite the latter utilized less so, and is electrified with 750 V DC overhead wire and consists of Communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling.

Information panels showing the real-time status of the next tram are installed in all operating stations.