BusTalk

[Mr. Linsky]

The trackless trolley or trolley bus has its roots going back almost to the beginning of the twentieth century, and has gradually evolved into the very versatile all service vehicle that it is today.

The ability to circumvent obstructions, minimize air pollution and run short distances on internal power make these coaches the choice of many major operators across the country.

Here's a look at the very beginnings of the ‘Trackless Trolley’ or ‘Trolley Bus’ as it is otherwise referred to;

The first trolley buses to appear in the United States (first and second photos) did so in the Laurel Canyon section of West Los Angeles, California in 1910, and were operated by the then Laurel Canyon Utility Company.

Hand built in Los Angeles, the two cars were mounted on Oldsmobile chassis seating 16 passengers with 600 volt DC electric power provided by the Pacific Electric Railway.

Unfortunately, the service was short lived due to unimproved roads through the canyon.

1921 saw the next more concerted effort at trolley bus operation this time on Staten Island in New York City (see third photo below) and was opened with great pomp and ceremony by then Mayor John Hylan (a well known foe of traction companies) accompanied by some 300 other city officials on the maiden run between Richmond and Tottenville (notice that the car is operated by the City of New York Department of Plants and Structures).

The City of Philadelphia was the first to operate regularly scheduled trackless trolley coach service beginning in 1923 along Oregon Avenue and spreading rapidly throughout the metropolitan area continuing to operate to this day.

The fourth photo below shows one of the first cars traversing Route 80 in that year.

Photos borrowed for educational purposes only.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, NY

[Cyberider]

Great stuff, Mr. Linsky. I always thought it was amazing that there ever was an operation in Laurel Canyon and that it was the first.

Dave

[Hart Bus]

Permit me to put a little plug in for the Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven / Branford Connecticut.

We now have 2 trolley buses in our collection. One is from Philadelphia from the 1940's or 1950's and our newest addtiion an MBTA New Flyer. The curator and helpers are building a track(as time permits). Right now it is a short distance but the Philly bus was driven down and backed up.

We are always looking for members and volunteers. Anyone with auto body experience would be helpful on the restoration of the Philly bus.

[Mr. Linsky]

[HwyHaulier]

[Mr. Linsky]

H. H.,

I agree with the fallacy associated with the claim that trolley buses are emissions free as is clearly noted on every San Francisco electric coach.

It is a question of stretching the truth which, in this case, would be that any emissions to the atmosphere would come from remote generating plants when augmenting hydro electric power.

It is, however, the lesser of two evils and does help to make the air more breathable in the city - a step in the right direction while we await fusion reaction!.

As far as the tires go; what do you want for 1910? - they're lucky the wheels were round!

Mr. 'L'

[HwyHaulier]