Skybus

[Kenneth Josephson]

> Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2000 17:29:55 -0600
> From: Bob Rathke <brathke at mediaone.net>
> Subject: Re: Darwin Award Monument?
>
> And there's more irony to this story about PAT donating a PCC for display in
> Bethel Park:
>
> I lived in Bethel Park in the 1970's when PAT was attempting to abandon both
> the Drake and Library interurban lines, and replace them with the then
> experimental Skybus (small, 4-wheel, rubber tire, automated vehicles like
> those now used at airports).  Peter Page, the mayor of Bethel Park, led the
> bitter fight to overturn PAT's plans.  The Feds eventually approved funding
> for the more appropriate light rail system, PAT was forced to abandon its
> plans for Skybus, and the Skybus test track.in South Park (adjacent to
> Bethel Park) was eventually torn down.
>
> So, the donation of the PCC is not the result of any long-time buddy-buddy
> relationship between PAT and Bethel Park.
>
> The jogger story is true, and I'm surprised that a different location wasn't
> selected for the PCC display.

As I mentioned to Paul Weyrich and Harold Geissenheimer at the Kenosha fantrip
and to Ed Lybarger during the Drake closing weekend, Skybus evolved into a fine
airport shuttle. Let me add it should remain simply that! :-)

Years ago, when we visited Pittsburgh one Christmas, my cousins took my older
brothers to see the Skybus demonstration loop. My oldest brother referred to the
train as "suitcases on wheels."  Ken J.