As the initial capital of the company, the OJS started to build a steam-powered tram line in Surabaya in 1889. The first section, Ujung–Fort Prins Hendrik, was inaugurated in 10 December 1889. The line mostly runs along the banks of
Mas River. In early 20th century, the OJS was interested in the Bataviasche Elektrische Tram Maatschappij (BETM) success in
developing electric trams in
Batavia. To prepare for electric tram installation, in 1911 the OJS expanded its network so that almost the entire city of Surabaya was connected by tram lines. It reached 36 kilometers of length as of 1924. The electric tram system was officially opened in 15 May 1923. During expansion, the main line was completely overhauled; the route that previously passed through the banks of Mas River was diverted through the city center, running past Pasar Turi and Sawahan and followed Darmo Street in the city center. Other lines built are the Simpang–Wonokromo Kota, Simpang–Gubeng, Tunjungan–Sawahan, and Simpang–Kalimas. To support tram maintenance, a tram depot and a power plant were also built in Sawahan. However, during
the Japanese occupation the Karangpilang–Krian OJS section was finally scrapped by Japanese
rōmusha workers along with all OJS lines outside Surabaya. Although the tram stop names were recorded in the data, they were unable to save the tracks and stops from their dismantling. The tram network was nationalized and operated by DKARI (currently KAI) in 1949. == Line sections ==