The Cleveland Railway Years

With the political and financial stabilization provided by the Tayler Grant, discussed last week, Cleveland Railway began a modernization program: construction of new cars – including the “1200” class of which several are now in our collection, replacement of several obsolescent car barns, an up-to-date repair shop, and replacement of its outmoded electrical generating system with purchased AC power and new substations for converting to DC trolley current. Also, several new lines were added, along with a special “subway” deck on the new Detroit-Superior Bridge over the Cuyahoga River.

However, in spite of these gains, there were problems similar to those experienced by most city systems at the time. Automobiles began to drain away ridership and serious inflation during World War One added further financial stress, so that it become necessary to return to the five-cent fare.

Cleveland was still growing so that, during the early 1920’s, Cleveland Railway continued to do well. Route expansion slowed, but new cars continued to be purchased, mostly those to the design of Cleveland’s Transit Commissioner, Peter Witt, but also including some huge articulated cars. Also, in 1925, Cleeland Railways began to purchase busses, to extend routes into the suburbs. Then, in 1929, the first streetcar line was replaced by buses.

Pictures show 1) a “1200 class” car now at Northern Ohio Railway Museum 2) a “1200 class” car at Public Square, , 3) Peter Witt #1065 at University Circle and 5) articulated car #5000.