Tom's Trolley Bus Pictures Chicago IL Info and New Stuff

Chicago IL First Generation Trolley Coaches Chicago Surface Lines (CSL)
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

Any comments? Let me know at: rtmatttrolleybusesdotnet

The trolleybus came to Chicago in 1928 via a Chicago Surface Lines (CSL) response to a Chicago Motor Coach (CMC) Company petition to the Illinois Commerce Commission for franchises to serve the northwest side of Chicago. The NW side had booming growth, but not much service from the Chicago Surface Lines (CSL) streetcars. While the CMC at first obtained the franchises, the CSL sued, and in 1930 the courts overruled the ICC, and the CSL got the franchises.

At that point, the CSL had but one motor coach line, the 76-Diversey, and operated over 3000 streetcars, so they decided to string wire and use trolleybuses. Trolleybuses were considered feeders for CSL streetcars, and later, CRT/CTA Rapid Transit (the L ), either as extensions, or connectors. 1930 saw seven lines established, with another five coming later on in the 1930s.

The first generation of Chicago trolleybuses started with an order for 74 from Twin Coach, Brill, St Louis Car, ACF, and Cincinnati Car in 1930. Another 40 were purchased in 1931 from Twin Coach, St Louis Car, and Cincinnati Car. Six from Pullman in 1935, 15 from St Louis Car in 1936, and 17 more from Brill in 1937 rounded out the first generation.

These coaches served until the mid-1950s. 84, 192 and 193 are preserved at the Illinois Railway Museum.

Source: The Trolley Coach in North America

Back to Chicago page

Back to Main Page