in 1896 the very first electric-powered tram crossed the arches, officially joining santa teresa to the rest of the city via public transport - this is the yellow tram that can be seen riding on top of the arches.  

although the aqueduct is quite long, only the portion commonly named 'lapa arches' is well known - the stretch used by the equally iconic yellow tram called 'bondinho'. the picturesque ride is very popular with locals and tourists alike - it is currently the only tram still in use in rio, following a temporary closure of the service in 2013/14.