These cities managed to keep at least part of their original streetcar grid in continuous operation since they began service nearly a century ago or more.
Boston
Boston Streetcar circa 1970s (Courtesy Joe Testagrose)
There were five lines that survived dismantling in the Boston system that are still operational today. All but one are currently branches of the Green Line and are generally located to the west and south of center city neighborhoods. Note the foreshadowing ad on the trolley car in the photo.For more information on Boston trolleys: Visit RailRoad.net's Boston page.
New Orleans
Riverfront Line in February 2005
The St. Charles Avenue line in New Orleans is the oldest running streetcar line in the world. It began service in 1835 as a horse drawn car, as did many other lines. It suffered severe damage to overhead cables during Hurricane Katrina, but some service has been restored. Work is also underway to repair flooded cars. Prior to the storm, the Canal Street line had been brought back into service after a long hiatus. In its heyday, Canal Street had also been one of only two places in the world, Market Street in San Francisco being the other, where four tracks once ran side by side.
For more information on New Orleans streetcars: Visit FrenchQuarter.com's streetcar page.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia Streetcar date unknown (Courtesy Joe Lance)
A handful of the original Philadelphia trolley lines are still in service. All of them branch from a subway line leading west out of the center city. Several other lines were temporarily suspended in the early 1990s, and the citizens who were affected by the closings are still waiting for the trolleys to return.
For more information on Philadelphia trolleys: Visit PhillyTrolley.org.
San Francisco
San Francisco streetcar in 1976 (Courtesy Mike Crofarad)
Only one line remained in service here, the F Line running from the Castro District to Fisherman’s wharf along Market Street. It appears that San Francisco has one of the most diverse fleets of any city, as it has collected vintage trolley cars from cities around the world to operate on its tracks. Plans are underway to add a new line of service. Don’t confuse the streetcar with the cable car, for which San Francisco is better known. Cable cars are pulled by a moving cable that lies between the tracks, so there is no electric wiring overhead.For more information on San Francisco streetcars: Visit Streetcar.org.
Toronto
Queen Street commercial district in August 2006
This city is unique in that many lines remained in use simply because the city dragged its feet in abandoning them. It didn’t hurt that there was a strong historic preservation movement early on in the city’s history. It was also the only city in Canada with continuous streetcar service through the last several decades. Look at all that cable!For more information on Toronto streetcars: Visit Transit Toronto.
