Boston Elevated Railway's Articulated Streetcars: A Centennial of Innovation and Evolution

Articulated Streetcars: The Early Days

The Boston Elevated Railway (BERy) was a pioneer in the development and implementation of articulated streetcars. In 1918, the BERy introduced its first articulated streetcar, known as the Type 5. This revolutionary vehicle consisted of two 25-foot-long sections connected by a flexible joint, allowing it to navigate tight curves and maneuver through congested city streets. The Type 5 was an immediate success, and the BERy quickly expanded its fleet of articulated streetcars.

Articulated Streetcars: The Post-War Era

After World War II, the BERy continued to invest in the development of articulated streetcars. In 1947, the BERy unveiled its Type 7 articulated streetcar, which featured a more modern design and improved performance. The Type 7 became the standard articulated streetcar for the BERy, and it remained in service for over three decades.

Articulated Streetcars: The Modern Era

In recent years, the MBTA (successor to the BERy) has continued to operate articulated streetcars on some of its busiest routes. In 2008, the MBTA introduced the Type 9 articulated streetcar, which is the most modern and efficient articulated streetcar in the MBTA's fleet. The Type 9 features a sleek design, air-conditioning, and a low floor for easier boarding.

The Benefits of Articulated Streetcars

Articulated streetcars offer several advantages over traditional single-unit streetcars. Their ability to navigate tight curves and maneuver through congested city streets makes them ideal for use in urban areas. Their larger capacity allows them to carry more passengers than single-unit streetcars, making them more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, articulated streetcars are often more comfortable for passengers, as they feature wider seats and more legroom.

Table 1: Specifications of Articulated Streetcars

Table 2: Number of Articulated Streetcars in Service

Table 3: Articulated Streetcar Routes

Stories of Articulated Streetcars

Story 1: In 1952, a Type 7 articulated streetcar made history by being the first streetcar to cross the new Tobin Bridge. The streetcar carried a group of city officials and journalists on a ceremonial ride across the bridge, which was then the longest suspension bridge in the United States.

Story 2: In 1969, a Type 7 articulated streetcar was involved in a tragic accident on Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester. The streetcar was struck by a car, and the collision caused the streetcar to derail and overturn. The accident resulted in the deaths of three passengers and injuries to several others.

Story 3: In 2018, a Type 9 articulated streetcar was featured in a promotional video for the City of Boston. The video showcased the streetcar's modern design and amenities, and it highlighted the role that the MBTA plays in providing transportation for the city's residents and visitors.

What We Learn

The stories of Boston's articulated streetcars provide valuable insights into the history, development, and impact of these iconic vehicles. We learn that articulated streetcars have played a vital role in the transportation system of Boston for over a century. We also learn that articulated streetcars have evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the city's residents and visitors. Finally, we learn that articulated streetcars continue to be an important part of the MBTA's fleet, providing efficient, comfortable, and reliable transportation for the people of Boston.

Effective Strategies

The BERy/MBTA has employed several effective strategies to ensure the successful operation of its articulated streetcars:

• Regular maintenance: The MBTA maintains a rigorous maintenance schedule for its articulated streetcars to ensure that they are safe and reliable.
• Operator training: The MBTA provides comprehensive training for its streetcar operators to ensure that they are familiar with the unique characteristics and operating procedures of articulated streetcars.
• Customer outreach: The MBTA actively promotes the use of its articulated streetcars through marketing campaigns and public relations initiatives.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

If you are considering implementing articulated streetcars in your city, here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Conduct a feasibility study: Determine if articulated streetcars are a viable option for your city by conducting a feasibility study.
2. Develop an implementation plan: If the feasibility study is positive, develop an implementation plan that outlines the steps you will need to take to launch your articulated streetcar service.
3. Secure funding: Identify and secure the funding that you will need to purchase and operate your articulated streetcars.
4. Purchase and deploy articulated streetcars: Purchase and deploy articulated streetcars on the routes that you have identified as being most suitable.
5. Promote your articulated streetcar service: Actively promote your articulated streetcar service to the public to ensure that they are aware of this new transportation option.

Call to Action

Articulated streetcars can be a valuable asset to any city's transportation system. They are efficient, comfortable, and reliable. If you are considering implementing articulated streetcars in your city, I encourage you to conduct a feasibility study and develop an implementation plan.

With careful planning and execution, articulated streetcars can help you to improve the mobility of your city's residents and visitors.