The history of the Oost-Java Stoomtram Maatschappij originated in 1886 when the OJS received a concession permit from the Dutch East Indies Colonial Government.

OJS then introduced electric powered tram when its track length had just reached 36 km and began operation on 15 May 1923.

This 600 volt DC overhead power network covered the Tanjung Perak–Jembatan Merah–Genteng Besar–Sawahan–Gubeng–Wonokromo Kota route.

First Period (Steam locomotive)[7] In the 1905 map, this route passes along the banks of Mas River at Surabaya.

Since the 1970s, Surabaya's trams were declared non-operating because they were unable to compete with private cars and public transportation as well as the large number of illegal passengers which caused PJKA revenue to plunge.