TRANSIT IN INDIANAPOLIS - HISTORY


EARLY STREETCARS

In 1864, the Citizens' Street Railway Co. began operating the first mule cars in Indianapolis. In 1890, the Citizens' Street Railroad Co. assumed operation of the streetcars, and over the next four years converted all streetcar lines to electric operation. And in 1899, the Indianapolis Street Railway Co. acquired the streetcar system.


STREETCAR ROUTES IN 1923 (MAP)

Map shows the streetcar system in 1923, prior to the introduction of the first bus routes, and when Indianapolis was the largest interurban railway hub in the country.


STREETCAR AND BUS ROUTES IN 1932 (MAP)

Map shows the streetcar and bus system in 1932, at the time the Indianapolis Street Railway Co. was acquired by Indianapolis Railways, Inc. The People's Motor Coach Co. had begun operating buses in 1923 in competition with the streetcars. And in 1924, the Indianapolis Street Railway Co. began operating bus routes as extensions and to complement the streetcar system. The Indianapolis Street Railway Co. acquired the People's Motor Coach Co., as a wholely owned subsidiary. From 1910 to 1932, the Indianapolis Street Railway Co. was a subsidiary of the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Traction Co.


STREETCAR AND BUS ROUTES IN 1940 (MAP)

Map shows the streetcar and bus system in 1940, After Indianapolis Railways, Inc. acquired the transit system, most of the streetcar routes were converted to trolleybuses.