Volatile Fantasy (or What If You Were Running PAT During the 1960's?)

[Edward H. Lybarger]

The newspapers of the early '60s carried descriptions of Swift's concepts of
turning the South Hills lines into really rapid transit using the existing
cars and rights-of-way.  I'm sure copies exist back in the PTM Library, but
I'm also sure I won't be able to dig much out for a week or so...out of town
again.

It's also important to note that top-notch transit management (such as
Harold Geissenheimer) was on hand, and was quite capable of doing anything
the politicos wanted to have done.

I think you guys should go ahead and fantasize - my reality checks don't
count when you're building the model railroad!!!  And we'll all be
interested in the outcome!

Ed

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
[mailto:owner-pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org]On Behalf Of Kenneth and
Tracie Josephson
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2000 3:13 AM
To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
Subject: Re: Volatile Fantasy (or What If You Were Running PAT During
the 1960's?)


Edward H. Lybarger wrote:

> ...Harley Swift, the first executive director, was
> pro-rail and got run out of town on one.

This is what I'm looking for. "Forgotten" facts. Please tell us what
Harley Swift may have had in mind for the system had he been given a
free hand?

> I don't mean to rain on the parade, but "facts is facts."

Sometimes "rain" washes away the rationalizations that has built up in
our minds over the years. Let it pour! :-) Ken J.

P.S.- Thanks for the correction on the spelling of "volatile." :-)