In 1992, Philadelphia shut down the last of its traditional streetcar lines. In so doing, the era of surface running, center of street, electric railways in the United States ended. As these were once a part of everyday life in virtually every US city, we have preserved here an urban experience in its waning days. On this program we ride a PCC car built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1947. The title has a double meaning in that our ride is toward the end of the day and the end of service. The line is entirely street running and the program features an end-to-end ride with many line-side views. Reference is made to connections (most of which can be seen) with every rail route that existed as of 1946. The weather was sunny, but don’t expect beautiful scenery. We also get a brief look at route 23.

One Hour six minutes