[PRCo] Re: Pgh transit characteristics

[Jim Holland]

Hi!
	But the low patronage is not a total loss  --  this allowed for higher
speeds and shorter running times which helps to keep overhead down by
reducing equipment and operator needs.  Had East Ohio Street, for
example, been more densely populated like 5th-Ave., then running times
would be considerably longer with more stops and more passengers
boarding meaning more equipment and operators needed.
	And if it weren't for the Mt.-Washington trolleycar tunnel, the ride
would be much longer up and over the hill with few people to pick up
along the tunnel bypass as well.  The longer running times would
discourage long-distance commuters and much more equipment would be
needed just to haul the same people!

	I, too, enjoyed the terrain of Pgh and the transit system that went
along with it.  SF is  Ultra--Super--Boring  with almost no variation in
rail routes and such frequent stops.

> Harold Geissenheimer wrote:

> Greetings to all

> Recent discussions about the Etna & Millville trolleys running
> long distances at high speed highlight one of the characteristics
> of transit (and commuter rail) in Allegheny County.

> Its the terrain!   River valleys, hills, bridges and tunnels.  This
> reduces ridership potential.

> I always liked the terrain of Allegheny County.  It made life
> interesting compared
> to the endless flat streets of Chicago.  But trolleys, buses and trains
> find it more difficult and expensive.  Oh well.  Cant have every thing.

> Harold Geissenheimer

-- 
James B. Holland

        Pittsburgh  Railways  Company  (PRCo),   1930  --  1950
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