1934: FROM TROLLEYS TO BUSES
One of the questions I often receive is information on when Trenton converted from the trolley to those rubber tired buses. Trolleys were before my time, and as you can see by the interesting and historic article above, they were converted in the latter part of 1934 and the conversion was completed in 1935. Every time I encounter a trolley or bus photo or article, I am reminded that my friend, the late Leland "Leon" Buker was the recognized historian of the mass transit history of Trenton. He along with my HHS classmate of 1951, John Hoschek were local transit historians; however, Lee maintained a comprehensive collection of the history of Trenton Transit from trolleys to buses.
I SURE REMEMBER THE TROLLEYS TOM AND GLAD WHEN THEY WERE GONE. I GOT A HEADACHE FROM THE NOISE AND ALWAYS FELT UNCOMFORTABLE ON THEM. THE BUSSES WERE A BIG IMPROVEMENT AND COVERED MOST OF THE CITY INCLUDING CHAMBERSBURG AND THE SUBURBS. BEST REGARDS.
ReplyDeleteTom, fun to see these trolley pix. Have two buddies, both 82, who's Dad's were both trolley drivers or whatever in Minn, many years ago.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid growing up in Trenton, we were exposed to trolley tacks all over town and right down West State Street in particular. Never did see what used those tracks. Thanks to this posted article, now an insight process has begun and I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate this glimpse into the past. Where I live now, the City of San Francisco has restored many old trolleys used by this and other cities completely functional, constantly delivering passengers all over the city. They are charming, attractive and very popular here.
ReplyDeleteMy dad (born 1908) lived on Greenwood Ave. and he told me that when he was a kid they'd latch on to a passing trolley when riding their bikes to get a pull until the trolley driver yelled at them to let go. And when I was a kid in the 1950s I remember the tracks all over the city, and my mom's car would kind of wiggle when the tires went into the tracks' grooves. And many of the streets were still cobblestone, remember?
ReplyDeleteI now live near San Francisco and the restored trolleys are wonderful, painted in many different city's liveries.