A Journey Through History: UKTram's visit to the world's oldest operating electric railway

Brighton's Volk's Electric Railway (VER) is the world's oldest working electric railway. It has proudly served passengers along Brighton's seafront since 1883. Although it was preceded by Wener Von Siemen’s 1879 demonstration line in Berlin and the Gross-Lichterfelde of 1881, neither line is still operational.

VER was founded by innovative engineer Magnus Volk and is a testament to the identity of Victorian transport innovation and British engineering heritage.

During a recent visit, we were transported to the days of Magnus Volk's original vision. The line initially ran for a quarter of a mile but has since expanded to cover just over a mile of Brighton's beautiful coastline. 

The operation and maintenance of VER are made possible thanks to VER's dedicated staff and volunteers, whose commitment has kept the railway operating through over a century of service.

Lighting up Brighton: Magnus Volk's Early Innovations

In 1879, Magnus Volk made his mark in Brighton by installing the town's first telephone line, connecting his home on Preston Road to another on Springfield Road. A year later, he became a local pioneer in electricity as the first person in Brighton to light his home with electric power. 

This success soon led to a contract to illuminate the iconic Brighton Pavilion gardens and the Brighton Museum and Corn Exchange. 

However, it was in 1883 that Volk launched his most enduring project - the Volk's Electric Railway, which holds the title of the world's oldest operating electric railway.

Touring the Historic' Arch' and Workshop

One of the highlights of the visit was a tour of the "Arch", VER's historic offices and maintenance workshop. 

The Arch was originally constructed in 1837 by Sussex County Hospital. Although it was initially intended to pump seawater for medicinal purposes, it primarily served as a storage facility. 

In 1884, Magnus Volk began renting the Arch to support his pioneering railway, using it for maintenance, storage and power generation. At first, it also served as a waiting area and reading room for passengers at the Paston Place terminus. 

Before the terminus was covered, it became an overnight storage for electric cars, which accessed the Arch via tracks across the roadway from a turntable.  Later it transitioned solely to a maintenance facility and office space. 

Visiting the offices where Magnus Volk himself once worked was a genuine privilege - like stepping back in time. The atmosphere preserved in these rooms made it easy to imagine the spirit that drove Volk's vision.

We were then taken to the workshop, where we learned about VER's latest projects for preservation and modern safety standards. Their current work includes rewiring Trains 7 and 8 with a new control system for continuous automatic braking and Driver Safety Device (DSD), bringing added security while respecting the railway's heritage design.

The team is also carrying out track upgrades, laying 100 meters of track, ensuring the infrastructure is in top shape for years to come.

Speaking with a Next Generation Engineer

We enjoyed speaking with one of VER's engineering apprentices, Jack. It's encouraging to see new talent developing in the heritage transport sector. Something that we advocate for at UKTram, supporting the growth and training of young professionals, remains a core focus.

Our Managing Director, James, began his journey as an apprentice at Seaton Tramway, so it was exciting to see how VER helps the next generation of engineers with hands-on experience in heritage rail. The Manager of VER, also James, began his journey at the Bluebell Railway as an apprentice too. It’s brilliant to see how VER helps the next generation of engineers with hands-on experience in heritage rail.

The Legacy of Magnus Volk and VERA

Magnus Volk's pioneering spirit continues to be felt across the railway, where his use of an electrified third rail can still be seen today in modified forms on mainline systems. 

The line has faced its share of challenges, from storm damage to the impacts of WWII. Yet it has survived due to the efforts of Volk's Electric Railway Association (VERA). Founded in 1995, VERA plays an invaluable role, from maintenance support to volunteer driver training, and it has been instrumental in crucial restoration projects funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

141 years on…

Despite being in its 141st year, VER has only closed three times in its entire history: during WWII, for the Heritage Lottery build and more recently during COVID. 

Its enduring importance was recognised last year when it became the first non-steam railway to be awarded Heritage Railway of the Year by the Heritage Railway Association. 

This really goes to show the dedication of everyone involved, from staff to volunteers, who work tirelessly to keep the railway running for new generations to enjoy.

An Icon of Brighton's Seaside 

A ride on the Volk's Electric Railway is a must for anyone visiting Brighton. A journey along the seafront provides a journey through time, capturing the charm of the British seaside holiday set against the backdrop of a historic city.

Currently closed for the season, it will reopen again next Easter and welcome visitors back for another year of the one-mile route from the Aquarium to Black Rock Station.

The Volk's Electric Railway remains a shining example of what can be achieved when passion for preservation meets a dedication to progress.