Trolleys, Interurbans, Electrics
Fantastic traction that served the nation's urban centers, suburbs, and intercity travel.
Philadelphia Trolleys 1955
Philadelphia Trolleys 1955
When these pictures were made around 1955, it is probable that the city of Philadelphia had more trolleys running to more destinations and with greater frequency than any other city in the United States. From such a wide array of choices, this picture covers eight of the most interesting and scenic lines.
From the dozens of lines operated by the Philadelphia Transportation Company, here are eight of the most interesting routes:
Route 26: Wissahickon Creek in Germantown across the top of Philadelphia and out the semi-rural line to Fox Chase.
Route 52: North from Schuylkill River in old double enders on Chelten Road.
Route 6: From Olney Terminal at the subway's northern end into the countryside on a private right of way to Willow Grove.
Route 20: From Olney Terminal south the entire length of the city of Philadelphia all the way to the Naval Base and the Delaware River.
Incredible color and rock steady images
39 minutes
Routes 17 & 32: Across the center of Philadelphia, Ease to West on Market Street, from the river, around City Hall, then south on 16th and 18th avenues through South Philadelphia.
Routes 33 & 9: Across the center of Philadelphia east to west; then 33 turns North by the Art Museum to the city limits; and 9 goes south through South Philadelphia.
Route 42: All the way across the center of Philadelphia from the Delaware River, over the Schuylkill Bridge to 60th Street and Cobbs Creek, passing en route the PRR 32nd Street Station, Franklin Field and the Convention Center.
Route 37: A detailed study of the Market Street crossing of the Schuylkill where the subway and five different trolley routes funnel together and dive underground en route to City Hall.