Philly's Trackless Trolley system
Philly's trackless trolley system was never that big, until recently having only lost routes on Ridge Ave and Oregon to diesels.
In June 2002, the trackless trolleys on the 59, 66 and 75 lines that run out of Frankford Depot were replaced with diesel buses. This was due to a large construction project at Frankford Transportation Center (aka Bridge Pratt) involving amongst other things, a new elevated terminal for the Market Frankford Rapid Transit line and demolition of the old el structure. Despite some speculation that the trackless trolleys might never return, the infrastructure was rebuilt around Bridge-Pratt and 38 new trackless trolleys were ordered from New Flyer Industries. Trackless service resumed on these three lines in fall 2008 as the new units were delivered. Trackless service in South Philadelphia also ended in 2002 due to construction near the west end of the 29 Tasker Morris route. By then the 1980 AM Generals were not in good condition and the 79 Snyder Av line was also made a diesel line. There was an option for SEPTA to purchase additional coaches for the 29 and 79 lines from New Flyer, but that option was not exercised and it looks like those lines have seen their last trackless trolley.
Click on the links for views of the trackless trolley network taken shortly before the 2002 closure when the 1980 AM General were still in service.
Route 59
Route 66
Route 75
Route 29
Route 79
Trolleys
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