Car Life

[Kenneth Josephson]

John Swindler wrote:

> What about SEPTA's AM General trackless trolleys delivered in 1979 for use
> on 29, 79, 75, 66 and 59?  No plans to replace and still 66 on the roster
> last time I checked.

True. But in Seattle, where they have seen harsh conditions, they are at the end
of their service life. Ditto for Dayton where the coaches were retired and
replaced with a fleet of Skodas last year. Boston is  looking into a new fleet
to replace the AM Generals on its Cambridge network and it is rumored
Philadelphia may order new coaches for the 59, 66 and 75. The 29 and 79 may be
dieselized. Part of SEPTA's decision to continue to operate its AM Generals is a
lack of decision what to do with the trackless trolley lines. The two isolated
lines on the South Side are lightly patronized and a series of incidents at
night due to thugs pulling the trolleys and robbing teh passengers has prompted
SEPTA to dieselize at night.

Incidently, trolley coach historian Paul Ward is of the opinion that if
Pittsburgh did decide to utilize trolley coaches on parts of the system, even
the best built and most maintenance free trolley coaches would not have lasted
anywhere as long as they did elsewhere due to the rough street pavement. Ken J.