During the First World War Sunderland, like many other local authorities, employed women on the tramcars as conductresses.

[2] In April 1916, the town was attacked by a Zeppelin, and tram no 10 was badly damaged,[3] along with the Tramway offices.

[4] On 3 January 1921 the company started a joint service with the Sunderland District Electric Tramways to Houghton-le-Spring.

On 2 December 1925 a new route was opened along Durham Road to Barnes Park, and then further extended four years later to Humbledon Hill.

In the 1950s tram services began to close, beginning with the Villette Road route on 5 November 1950.