Story
The Time of Trolleys
Explore this endearing mode of mass transit that disappeared from New York City's streets in the mid 20th century.
490 Fulton Street
Even before roads were paved, horses pulled cars along embedded tracks throughout New York. The first horsecar line ran along the Bowery in 1832.
1
Atlantic Terminal, LIRR Station
Inevitably, horses were phased out, and in 1883, electric trolleys began to be introduced to the streets of New York.
2
1 Prospect Park Southwest
By 1920, 1,344 miles of track crisscrossed New York City.
3
1298 Bergen Street
As automobiles began to take precedence, trolley companies were bought up and electric cable-cars were replaced by gas-fueled buses.
4
1 Times Square
The last trolley line ran between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. Service for the line ended in 1957.
5
Foot of Montague Street
However, many of the lines remained the same with buses replicating the exact route of trolleys. In certain parts of the city, the trolley tracks are still visible, embedded in the asphalt.
6