[3] As a result of horse trams operational problems experienced by the BTM, in 1880 the operation was handled temporarily by Firma Dummler & Co. Two years later, on 19 September 1881 Bataviasche Tramweg Maatschappij officially changed its name into Nederlands-Indische Tramweg Maatschappij (NITM, Netherlands Indies Tramways Company) and took over Batavia trams operation previously handled by Firma Dummler & Co.[4] Under NITM, there was a gradual overhaul of its fleet and infrastructure, which the replacement of horse with steam locomotives produced by Hohenzollern Locomotive Works.

BETM began operation since the inauguration of Batavia Old Town–Ragunan Zoo line on 10 April 1899 which was extended to Tanah Abang Station in November 1899, but unfortunately the extension was closed in 1904.

In 1900 BETM extended its tram network, reaching Jembatan Merah, Tanah Tinggi, and Gunung Sahari areas by crossing Ciliwung River.

On 31 July 1930 NITM and BTM were merged to form Bataviasche Verkeers Maatschappij (BVM, Batavia Transport Company).

As a result of Great Depression, BVM had financial problems, which its popularity was threatened by the emergence of other modes such as bemo and oplet.

This last class is intended for the native population which is generally only shaped like an open tub or called pikolanwagen, this facility is used to transport fish, vegetables, fruits and the like.

In the film Asrama Dara (1958), the Jakarta tram is the background for the song "Trem and Bus Kota" sung by Aminah Tjendrakasih.