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THE NORRISTOWN INTERURBAN LINE
SEPTA took over the operation of an old interurban line from west Philadelphia to the suburb of Norristown. The interurban cars were electric powered by an outside third rail mounted next to the track. |
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THE NORRISTOWN INTERURBAN LINE
SEPTA took over the operation of an old interurban line from west Philadelphia to the suburb of Norristown. The interurban cars were electric powered by an outside third rail mounted next to the track. |
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This type of interurban car was called a
Bullet Car.
An interurban rather than a street car, the Norristown Line is located on its own private right-of-way. This permits high speed operation without having to slow for cross-traffic. |
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The box shape and the flat nose indicate
this is not a Bullet Car but an even older piece of equipment.
The open door and windows reveal a lack of air conditioning. That's tough to take during Philadelphia's hot summers. |
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This Bullet Car on the Norristown Line is moving along at a good clip. Philadelphia was very fortunate to have preserved an early 20th Century interurban line so it could be used for commuter service in the 21st Century. |