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Re: Here Is a Sentence I Never Expected to See
Author: synonymouse
Date: 05-06-2010 - 10:26
The streetcar operations faced a myriad of problems and it is a tribute to the robust nature of the technology that the lines lasted as long as they did.
Track was expensive to keep up and maintenance had been deferred by the broke streetcar companies.
Downtowns deteriorated with the advent of sprawling suburbs, shopping centers and malls.
Crime worsened and public transit took on the stigma of poverty and second class.
Auto and highway interests in effect insisted on 100% market share. ÁFAIK there was even talk of trashing the NYC subway system in the 50's.
It is amazing that some systems like Johnston Traction Co. lasted as long as 1960. I rode that fabulous little operation in 1959. With a more positive attitude and a reasonable public subsidy that line could still be around today.
Track was expensive to keep up and maintenance had been deferred by the broke streetcar companies.
Downtowns deteriorated with the advent of sprawling suburbs, shopping centers and malls.
Crime worsened and public transit took on the stigma of poverty and second class.
Auto and highway interests in effect insisted on 100% market share. ÁFAIK there was even talk of trashing the NYC subway system in the 50's.
It is amazing that some systems like Johnston Traction Co. lasted as long as 1960. I rode that fabulous little operation in 1959. With a more positive attitude and a reasonable public subsidy that line could still be around today.
