Previously known as the Städtische Strassenbahn Zürich (StStZ), the organisation was founded in 1896 and adopted its current name in 1950.

It also operates, but does not own, a further funicular, a rack railway, and the Stadtbahn Glattal light rail system.

[4][5] All of VBZ's passenger services are operated within the tariff and ticketing system provided by the cantonal public transport authority Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV).

The ZVV tariff also covers other passenger transport services in and around the city, including the Zurich S-Bahn, although these are not operated by the VBZ.

Despite Switzerland's neutrality, the economic effects of the Second World War slowed down the program, but by 1953, the VBZ had taken delivery of 177 such trams.

[3][6] In 1950, the StStZ changed its name to the Verkehrsbetriebe der Stadt Zürich (VBZ) to reflect the broader nature of its services.

The network operates on meter gauge track, electrified using overhead line at 600 V DC.

By contrast, on VBG infrastructure, VBZ trams operate on long stretches of dedicated track.

[5][7] The independent Forchbahn (FB) railway uses VBZ trackwork to reach the centre of Zurich from the eastern edge of the city.

[12] VBZ's passenger services are operated within the tariff and ticketing system provided by the cantonal public transport authority Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV).

Free transfer is permitted between different vehicles, lines, modes and operators, provided a ticket valid for the whole journey is held.

[13] Besides its passenger transport activities, VBZ, jointly with the city refuse and recycling department ERZ, operates the cargo tram to collect bulky waste.

The cargo tram serves 9 different collection points around Zurich, calling at each on different days of the month.

The collected refuse is taken to a specially constructed siding at the ERZ yard adjacent to the Werdhölzli tram terminus.