The British Gas Traction Company was incorporated on 13 July 1896 with an initial capitalisation of £250,000.
Its major shareholders were Russell Cummins and John Fletcher Moulton M.P.
The early success of the vehicles led to the company being invited to operate similar schemes in other parts of the country, including a newly constructed three-mile stretch of tramway in Trafford Park.
[2] The trams were powered by town gas, and had a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour (19 km/h); their distinctive exhaust smell quickly earned them the nickname "Lamp Oil Express".
It was subsequently administered by the liquidators until 29 August 1914, and removed from the register of companies on 14 February 1919.