The tram service had not kept pace with the rapid expansion of Sunderland so a new lease was written that would replace the current lease due to expire in 1896.

Agreement could not be made on its contents so the responsibility  fell back on the Town Council to provide a tramway system when the lease ran out.

As the council had  opened its own electricity generating station the year before they looked at the prospects of electrifying the tramways mirroring similar success stories in other towns.  In 1899 a bill was approved that would give the Tramways Company 6 month notice allowing Sunderland Corporation to purchase the Sunderland Tramways company on 31st December 1899.

The horse tramways and trams would eventually be replaced by  electrified trams, the first two which were delivered to Monkwearmouth Goods Yard and then taken to the nearby Wheat sheaf Depot on 26th July 1900.

Shortly after-wards  a further 6 double decked cars were delivered making an initial fleet of 8 vehicles which would initially operate on the Roker to Christ Church Line from August 1900. Much faster , frequenter and cheaper than the horse tram service, this new 20 minute journey was certain to impress the residents and visitors of Sunderland.