Construction began in August 2002 and operation of the first phase commenced on 24 December 2004 with a total length of 15 kilometers (9.3 mi)[3] and two main lines, Otogar–SSK and Opera–Osmangazi University.[4] The EsTram network is designed to carry passengers at a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph) in mixed traffic.[citation needed]
In 2014, the second phase was completed with four extensions to the network.[3][5] The newly added lines were Emek–71 Evler, Batıkent–SSK (ring), Çamlıca–SSK (ring) and Çankaya–Osmangazi University (ring). The Emek–71 Evler line was extended in 2019 to reach the city hospital.[citation needed]
The third phase was completed in 2021 when the 75. Yıl–Sultandere and City Hospital–Kumlubel extensions were opened on 12 March and 14 June respectively. As of 2024, the system has eight lines.[3][6]