Councillors are to look at whether trams would form part of future transport solutions.
Liberal Democrats put a motion before Brighton and Hove City Council calling for an investigation into trams, funded from parking profits.
But the Labour-controlled authority instead referred the issue to the new environment committee which will be set up next month.
A report will be prepared on how to tackle the city's transport problems and trams will be included.
Lib Dem group leader Paul Elgood said trams were now firmly on the agenda and there would be a considered debate on the issue.
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