The American Street Railway Association was first organized in Boston on 12 Dec, 1882, as trade organization to discuss problems associated, initially with the operation of horse drawn streetcars including such matters as the care of horses and the cost of feed. As electric traction started to become common, that also became a focus, with discussion of the design of cars and equipment and also of operation.

At the New York meeting, in 1905, the group reorganized as the American Street and Interurban Railway Transportation & Traffic Association and then, in 1910 as the American Electric Railway Transportation & Traffic Association. The group also expanded its focus to include legal and legislative matters, both providing mutual assistance in many areas as well as developing a common voice for the industry.

By 1932, reflecting the increased use of busses and the declining use of streetcars, the organization became the American Transit Association. It has continued to function, as the American Public Transit Association (1974) and, today, as the American Public Transportation Association (2000). The early years of the organization remain important to historians and museums because of the large amount of information it compiled and published concerning the transit systems of the time.

One feature of the organization was it’s annual convention which included, among its activities, a trade show at which manufacturers presented new equipment. In 1926, 1927 and 1934 these shows were held in Cleveland.

Pictures, car displays, Cleveland Mall: 1) 1927 Convention, Cleveland Historical Assn. 2) 1927 c

Convention, Columbus Metropolitan Library, 3) 1934

Convention, showing PCC and other advanced cars, Western Reserve Historical Society.