noun
Tokyo Metropolitan Tramway; metropolitan tram
Refers specifically to the tram system operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, especially the Toden Arakawa Line. Often used in historical contexts or when discussing Tokyo's remaining tram line.
都電荒川線は東京で唯一残っている路面電車です。
The Toden Arakawa Line is the only remaining tram line in Tokyo.
昔は都電が都内のあちこちを走っていた。
In the past, metropolitan trams ran all over Tokyo.
Abbreviation of 東京都電車 (Tōkyō-to densha, 'Tokyo Metropolitan Tram'). The kanji 都 (to, 'metropolis') refers to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and 電 (den, 'electric') is short for 電車 (densha, 'electric train/tram').