Mechanics Institute was replaced at the end of 1897. On 28 March 1898, the Corporation agreed to the proposal of the Tramways Committee on re-constructing the existing tramways, and extensions required; and as to the method of traction to be adopted "that the whole of the permanent way should be reconstructed with much heavier rails; that the whole system should be equipped with electric traction". On 16 May the Tramways Committee proposed the following alterations in routes, which are approved: Basford single line to be doubled and extended to Bulwell Carrington Line to be doubled and extended to Winchester St Sherwood. New lines to be made along : (1) Sherwood Rise (2) Lower Parliament St, King Edward St, St. Anns Well Rd and Wells Rd (3) Grey Friars Gate and Lenton Boulevard to Hartley Rd returning via Canal St (4) Wilford Rd to Wilford Bridge (5) W (oodborough Rd and Mapperley Plains to Porchester Rd (6) Wheeler Gate to the Market Place, which will become a tram centre. The 1900 Annual Report of the Tramways Committee states The undertaking is in a transition state, owing to the decision of the Council to substitute electric motive power for the present horse traction". The Manager (J. Aldworth) reported "The increase of wages granted to conductors come into operation early in June last year and these now range from 20/- to 25/-, against 17/6 to 22/9 per week . . . I have pleasure in saying I consider the greater attention to detail given to the work shown by a great decrease in the number of complaints received from the public and the substantial increase in receipts has fully justified the action. No of passengers 8,441,193. Miles run, 790,074. An outbreak of "pink eye" in the stud of horses in 1900 resulted in a severe curtailment of the horse-drawn service. Kelly's Directory of Nottinghamshire for 1900 gives an idea of the extent of the operation of the system at the end of its life: Station Route from St. Peter's church to Great Northern railway; leave St. Peter's church at 7.45am and every 5 minutes till 9.55pm; leave Great Northern railway 7.55am and every 5 minutes till 10.05pm Trent Bridge route from St. Peter's church to Trent Bridge; leave St. Peter's church at 8.05am and every 5 minutes till 11pm; leave Trent Bridge at 7.30am and every 5 minutes till 10.40pm Basford route, from