[1] BVB jointly operates the Basel tram network with Baselland Transport AG (BLT), owned by the adjoining canton of Basel-Land.

[1][2][3][4] Heinrich Imhoff is the pioneer of the Basler tramways who in 1880 obtained the concession from the local Government in Basel to operate a horse pulled so-called "Tramomnibus".

[8] In April 1895 the electrified Tramway drove for the first time[8] and in May the same year it was inaugurated to the public.

[9] In April 1896 the city council decides the expansion of the tramways and by 1897 additional lines were taken into service.

[9] As in 1939, 320 men had to enter military service due to World War II, there was suddenly a lack of employees.

Today, Basel has the largest tramway in terms of kilometers of rail tracks in Switzerland.