| Philadelphia Trolley Tracks is a collection of photos, maps, and rosters showing Philadelphia's extensive streetcar system as it was in the 20th century, and what remains today. Traditional streetcar lines have lately enjoyed a resurgence, with new construction and plans being laid in cities across the country, from Portland Oregon to Tampa Florida. Only a handful of North American cities held onto at least some of their streetcar lines; San Francisco and Toronto are expanding theirs. Despite a hostile transit authority, parts of Philadelphia's trolley system survive. |
Philadelphia Trolley Tracks is NOT an official website of, nor is affiliated in any way with SEPTA nor the City of Philadelphia.
1908 article praising the new Montgomery County Rapid Transit Co.
March 1973 "Employe News" Explains the Origins of 1970s "Gulf Oil" Paint
PCC 2168 in 1970s "Gulf Oil" paint at Baltimore Streetcar Museum
New: A
Tour of Route 23 in 1987 Photos by Harry Donahue
Article: History
of the PCC Overhaul Programs by Rev. E. Casey
On June 8, 2007 the Society
for Industrial Archaeology
sponsored a tour of Philadelphia's remaining trolley buildings,
spanning from pre-Civil War on up to the 21st Century.
Philadelphia Car Barns Past
and Present
was led by architect historian & author Joel Spivak.
Follow this link for a virtual tour!
In 1981, SEPTA cancelled all
its diesel-hauled train service.
In the last days, rail diesel cars (RDCs) no longer served center city.
Commuters rode electric trains to transfer points such as Norristown and Lansdale.
Last days of RDC service
| PCC II 2326 Eastbound Girard Avenue at Front Street December 28, 2005 Mike Szilagyi photo | 
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In this 1974 brochure,
SEPTA speaks glowingly of its PCC trolley fleet and assures us of their bright future. |
| SEPTA's Vandalism Continues. Route 23 rail and switch has been cut out at 12th & Bainbridge. December 2006 Mike Szilagyi photo |
SEPTA destroyed four PCC cars at Midvale Depot in January 2006.
Photos of PCC-II cars being assembled at Brookville
Trolley Archaeology: Skippack & Perkiomen Transit Co.
Philadelphia Trolleys
Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys Fund Raiser:
Win a superb St. Petersburg Tram Collection 1:48 scale model of "Gulf
Oil" air car 2526
-or-
PCC-II 2328 (your choice).
This will be the seventh model awarded by FPT. The winner will be drawn at the 2009/2010 New Year's Eve Charter.
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Want to help preserve |
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Join the Friends |
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Order Commemorative Trolley T-Shirts from Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys |
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Site Owner: Mike Szilagyi
e-mail: 
Philadelphia Trolley Tracks is NOT the official website of, nor is affiliated in any way with SEPTA or the City of Philadelphia.
