It linked the town of Chiasso with Riva San Vitale, via Balerna, Mendrisio and Capolago.

[1][2][3] The line's southern terminus in Chiasso was adjacent to the border crossing with Italy, and in Capolago it shared the same street outside Capolago-Riva San Vitale railway station with the Monte Generoso railway.

It had a length of 11.9 kilometres (7.4 mi), with 49 stops, a maximum gradient of 7.5% and a minimum radius of 25 metres (82 ft).

[1][2] The Società Tram Elettrici Mendrisiensi SA was incorporated in 1907, and construction started the following year, with the tramway opening in 1910.

After closure, several of the line's cars were sold to the Lugano–Cadro–Dino railway, and one of these (Ce 2/2 3) has since been restored and is now on display at the Hotel Coronado in Mendrisio.