…Charles: It’s interesting to see train photos from the Pittsburgh area back when…I’m a Pa. native and really like to see the "old’ 4 track main of the “Pennsy” as it was.
Last time I “caught” a train there {{Pgh.}, would be the Summer of '57…and it was to be the Aerotrain…but, luck had to be it was off the route that day for “service”. I was headed to Johnstown.
The Conrail TrailerTrain is an interesting train passing on the 4-track main.
Nice photos. What was the reason (or reasons) for the PA Train’s discontinuance? Low ridership, lack of funding, worn out equipment, or some other reason?
The equipment was not the problem. After service ended April 1989, the cars and power went to Connecticut DOT and ran for years (the cars may still be in use, the power is now at a museum).
I know the service was replaced by busses, and I think Grant Street Station is now a bus terminal (someone from Pittsburgh will have to chime in if I’m right.)
The problem may have been the way Pennsylvania funds mass transit. There’s no dedicated funding. Every year is a new fight for funds.
…Charles: Yes, I’m aware the Aerotrain was not a smooth rider…Almost bus bodies, with light construction, etc…Never the less, I wish it would have been available as that was the last chance I had to experience it…A sheet of paper was laying on each seat of the train we did ride, stating: “The Aerotrain is off schedule for service today”, or something to that effect.
I have the book and it is a pretty good reference of the area. Pge 37 shows why Pgh. has been called the smoggy city, also good shots of my old hometown of McKeesport with the old gate towers there. Too bad there is only one left as a rememberance of days gone by. Only one shot of the RDC’s that were used back then. Overall, yes if your from the area it is a very good book. Thanks for bringing back the memories.