G.E. Equipped PCCs

[DF Cramer]

Jim Holland wrote:
    "It was not necessarily the fact that *we-the-people*
abandoned trolleycars  --  we abandoned public transport     for private
mobility  -- which means abandoning trolleycars,     trolley coaches, and
motor coaches! This, too, was a             factor but not the total cause.
It was inevitable that this             would happen!"

    The citizens of the United States value their independence and one of
the truest forms of independence is the private automobile.  With the
personal form of transportation, we can go where we want to when we want to.
    I live in rural Pennsylvania and a car is a necessity.  Yes, we do have
the government form of subsidized mass transit that has two small busses
traveling between two towns, the local shopping center (we do not have a
mall) and the hospital (built out of town to make it more convenient to
drive to).  West Penn Railways was smart enough to get out of town 64 years
ago.
    Until the mass transit systems of this country realize that not everyone
works in downtown or fits the 9 to 5 schedule will they even begin to
scratch the surface of profitability.  A new paradigm is needed.
    Pittsburgh, a small city in the scheme of things, no longer has the
majority of jobs in one area.  On any given evening, rush hour is just as
bad on any major artery in both directions.  Work is now spread across the
area instead of being concentrated in the valleys.
    In times past, people used the trolleys as a means of spreading news and
visiting with their friends and neighbors.  Today, on any given public mode
of transportation , do not dare even look at another passenger.  Read your
paper and ignore any and all inquiries.
    Due to the myriad changes in Pittsburgh and America, PRCo could not have
survived as a non-governmental transit agency.  That is why PAT exists
today.  They have replaced virtually all of the lines with busses and still
need our tax dollars.
    There is no one to blame, we just happen to enjoy our freedom and I for
one do not want to ever relinquish that.
    (I have been home from school now for too long recovering from surgery
and needed to vent)

Dennis F. Cramer--Teacher-Trombonist-Historian-Conductor

       www.geocities.com/armconband