Bridgeport Traction Company facts for kids
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bridgeport, Connecticut |
| Locale | Bridgeport, Connecticut |
| Dates of operation | 1893–1972 |
| Predecessor | Bridgeport Horse Railway Company Bridgeport Railway Company East End Railway Company |
| Successor | Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Electrification | 600v DC |
The Bridgeport Traction Company was a company that ran streetcars (like electric buses on tracks) in and around Bridgeport, Connecticut. This company started in 1893. It helped people travel easily between towns. Streetcars were a much cheaper way to get around than trains back then. For example, a trip between Bridgeport and Norwalk cost half as much by streetcar.
Contents
How the Company Started
The Bridgeport Traction Company was formed by joining three smaller companies. These companies were the Bridgeport Horse Railroad Company, the Bridgeport Railway Company, and the East End Railway Company.
Early Companies
- The Bridgeport Horse Railroad Company was the oldest. It began in 1864.
- The Bridgeport Railway Company started in 1893.
- The East End Railway Company was created in 1895. It was first known as the Bridgeport and West Stratford Horse Railroad Company.
Changes Over Time
The Bridgeport Traction Company did not operate under its original name for very long. It went through several changes in ownership and management.
New Owners in 1901
In 1901, the Bridgeport Traction Company was sold. The new owner was the Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company (CR&L). This meant CR&L took over running the streetcar lines.
Control by Connecticut Company
From 1906 to 1936, the streetcar routes were managed by the Connecticut Company. This company was a part of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. The New Haven Railroad controlled many streetcar services across Connecticut.
Return to CR&L and Buses
In 1936, the Connecticut Company stopped managing the routes. This happened because the New Haven Railroad faced financial problems. So, the Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company (CR&L) started running the streetcars again. However, streetcars were soon replaced. In 1937, buses took over the routes in Bridgeport, Derby, and Waterbury. Buses continued to operate until 1972.
Modern Transportation Successor
After 1972, the job of providing public transportation in the area went to the Greater Bridgeport Transportation Authority. This new organization continued to serve the community's transit needs.
