They were developed for the conversion of the St Kilda and Port Melbourne railway lines to light rail, and introduced by the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and later the Public Transport Corporation between 1984 and 1994.

The tram was to ostensibly utilise the components from the B-class and be partially low-floor, with internal stairs over the bogies.

[10] In 2007. the dot-matrix displays on the B1 class trams were replaced with LED equipment, and cab air-conditioning was fitted in 2009.

The program aimed to add capacity of approximately 1,100 passengers to the B-class fleet and was completed in early 2014.

[11] In June 2015, the installation of automated onboard passenger information system, similar to that used on the E class fleet, commenced at Camberwell depot.

They have a very similar interior to the B2-class, except they have no air-conditioning, and are fitted with opening windows and different sun shades.

[15] Both had compressor issues in the early to mid 2000s, but were later rectified, both being based at East Preston depot by this stage.

In September 1992, the 100th articulated tram for Melbourne, B2 2102 was delivered in 'chocolate and cream' livery, approximating the M&MTB colours of the 1920s; it was also re-numbered as 2100.

[15] In February 1992, 2089 was taken to Canberra and displayed in the city as part of a promotion for a planned light rail scheme.