MORE Thoughts -- PRCo--2000 -- Owl service

[John Swindler]

>Fred W. Schneider III commented
>
>Why do buses run the same place they always did?  1) "We've always done it 
>that way", 2) Lack of imagination, 3) Whenever we tried a new route, it 
>didn't work because the intended patrons were already wedded to their 
>automobiles, and 4) before John Swindler tells it, "There is too much money 
>for transit out there." so we keep right on running the same service and 
>providing government jobs to government workers.
>
>


Just a comment on the flexibility provided by the internal combustion 
engine.  I've heard it said that there were two significant route 
rationalizations in Philadelphia.  The first occurred around 1912 when the 
new Mitten management eliminated the stop in the middle of the block.  The 
second occurred in 1955 or so when the new National City Lines consolidated 
some of the parallel routes in the city (like 20 and 23).  Why aren't 
changes made?  Perhaps in large measure because someone MIGHT complain.




And Derrick J Brashear wrote:
> >
> > I will come back to what I said the other day: I'm resigned to the loss 
>of 62 service to Trafford, but the loss of the Pennsy commuter service is 
>irritating. Which I guess leads into another point: as much as some 
>traction fans hated the "steam" roads, there's a lot to be said for a 
>complete, balanced transportation system.
> >
> > And hey... why does the bus system we have still run substantially where 
>the streetcars did, if commuting patterns are changing? If the advantage of 
>buses is they don't require expensive fixed guideway changes, why are 
>changes so long in coming?
> >
> > And on a more serious and relevant note.... night owl service. I'm 
>interesting in hearing what if anything you guys have to say about owl 
>service on the Pittsburgh Railways system. I have schedules which document 
>it, but I've not seen a lot of comment on it.
> >
> > -D
>



Concerning owl service, what there was tended to be hourly in the early 60s, 
but wasn't 88 half-hourly? And I thought there was an owl car on Library.

At the risk of trusting old memory cells, there was an abandonment date 
around 1964 that saw the last 22 Crosstown around 6pm in the evening, then 
took last ride on Castle Shannon Incline around 10pm or so, and then the 
last 55/65 car was a owl tripper that left Tunnel as a 55 to E. Pittsburgh, 
then to Lincoln Place as the last 65 car around 2-3am in morning, then to 
either Munhall or E. Pgh, then back inbound as a 55 through Homestead to 
Tunnel Carhouse as sun was beginning to creep over the horizon.  I dozed off 
around Mesta Machine.  One purpose was to get former Glenwood operators to 
Tunnel.

As for 62 service, couldn't compete with Trafford Motor Coach which did not 
involve a transfer in East Pittsburgh.  May have also been cheaper then the 
PRC fare.  At end, 62 was just a daily franchise trip, possibly early 64 car 
which made round trip before am peak.  Who has schedule handy?

John S.
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