A trolley car tradition.

In January 1938, 1,664 trolley cars were running in 36 cities across the country, including a fleet in Portland, Ore. According to a report in the February 1938 issue of The American City, 140 trolley cars were operating in Portland, covering more than 45 miles of the metropolitan area. Using the trolley cars, the city was able to increase schedule speed by 23 percent over other public transit vehicles while traffic accidents decreased by 12 percent.

Today, Portland no longer runs trolleys and instead owns a fleet of seven streetcars manufactured by Skoda-Inekon. Operated by Portland's transit agency, TriMet, the streetcars carry 7,000 to 9,000 passengers each day to 40 stops on a six-mile loop through the downtown area. Passengers can purchase a yearly "streetcar only" pass for $75. On weekends, residents and visitors may also ride old-style trolley cars, which travel the route of the regular streetcars. In September, an additional mile will be added to the streetcar route to wind through the city's South Waterfront District, a 130-acre area that will be redeveloped into housing, retail and office space.

PHOTO (COLOR): The February 1938 issue of The American City featured the trolley cars in Portland. Ore., where 140 units were in operation. Today, the city owns a fleet of seven streetcars that travel on a six-mile loop through the downtown area.

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By Deanna Hart