Opened in 1903, the network has been operated since 1953 by the company now known as Cottbusverkehr [de], and is integrated in the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB).

These were originally built as two-section high-floor KT4D trams were rebuilt during the 1990s with a low-floor central section and a new chopper control system.

[1] A procurement project for new trams was started in 2018, jointly with Frankfurt (Oder) and Brandenburg, and a contract was awarded to Škoda Transportation in 2020.

[3] Cottbus was originally to receive seven new trams but the order was increased in 2022 to a total of 22 vehicles.

[4] The first new tram was delivered to Cottbus in June 2024 and will undergo a period of testing before entering passenger service.