End of an Era at Salaya Campus
Iconic Trams to Cease Operations
Mahidol University announced on July 17, 2025, that its iconic tram service at the Salaya campus in Nakhon Pathom’s Buddha Monthon district will retire in September, concluding nearly two decades of service. The university plans to replace the trams with electric minibuses, promising enhanced safety and convenience. The decision marks the end of a cherished chapter for students and staff, who have relied on the trams since their introduction in 2007.
A Legacy of Sustainable Transport
Promoting Green Mobility
Since 2007, the four-wheeled electric trams have been a staple at Mahidol’s Salaya campus, operating from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 6 p.m. on weekends. Designed to promote sustainable public transport, the trams have reduced the campus’s carbon footprint while serving thousands of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Their eco-friendly design aligned with Thailand’s push for greener initiatives, making them a symbol of environmental consciousness on campus.
Emotional Farewell from Community
Trams as a Campus Lifeline
The announcement has sparked an outpouring of nostalgia on social media, with students and alumni sharing heartfelt farewells. One user, Earth, commented, “Trams are not only a vehicle. They are part of my life,” reflecting their emotional significance. The trams have been more than just transportation; they’ve been a backdrop to countless memories, from daily commutes to moments of reflection, for the campus’s 25,000-strong community.
Personal Stories of Connection
More Than Just a Ride
For many, the trams hold deep sentimental value. Alumna Araya Arjcharoen Theanhom shared, “I’ve used it since I was a freshman. You’re still in my life since I graduated and returned to teach in Salaya.” Another user, Sunny Aser Richman, recalled riding all tram lines in 2022 to enjoy campus views after a tough exam, highlighting how the trams offered comfort and connection beyond their practical purpose.
Transition to Electric Minibuses
Modernizing Campus Mobility
The shift to electric minibuses reflects Mahidol University’s commitment to modernizing campus infrastructure while maintaining its sustainability goals. The new vehicles are expected to offer improved accessibility and efficiency, addressing the limitations of the aging tram system. With Thailand’s electric vehicle market growing—EV registrations rose 40% in 2024—this transition aligns with broader national efforts to embrace cleaner transportation technologies.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy
Trams to Live on in Memory
While the trams will soon stop running, Mahidol’s announcement emphasized their lasting place in the university’s history, stating, “They will be in our memory forever.” The university is exploring ways to honor the trams, possibly through exhibits at the Mahidol University Archives and Museum. As the Salaya campus prepares for this change, the trams’ legacy as a symbol of community and sustainability will endure, cherished by generations of the Mahidol family.
