SEPTA’s Philadelphia Streetcars in Eight Photos.

Historically, Philadelphia had one of the most extensive urban streetcar networks in the United States.

My recent book Streetcars of America co-authored with John Gruber and published by Shire, features a selection of historic images of Philadelphia’s cars.

My father began photographing in Philadelphia in the mid-1950s, and my family has kept up the tradition.

A SEPTA Kowasaki car works Lancaster Avenue with the Philadelphia Center City skyline in the distance. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.
A SEPTA Kowasaki car works Lancaster Avenue with the Philadelphia Center City skyline in the distance. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.
An historic PCC in route 15 service turns the corner from 63rd Street to Girard Avenue. Canon EOS 7D.
An historic PCC in route 15 service turns the corner from 63rd Street to Girard Avenue. Canon EOS 7D.
SEPTA's number 15 on Girard Avenue.
SEPTA’s number 15 on Girard Avenue.
A few minutes later this training car came grinding along.
A few minutes later this training car came grinding along.
A view looking east on Girard Avenue. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.
A view looking east on Girard Avenue. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.

On January 16, 2015 I re-explored several Philadelphia streetcar routes to make photographs. I was surprise to see one of the 1980s-era Kawaski cars working as a ‘Training Car’ on Girard Avenue—normally the domain of restored PCCs for the number 15 cross-town line.

Later my brother Sean and I went over to Media to catch the route 101 car. The Media line is one of the vestiges of the old Philadelphia Suburban Lines.

Media, Pennsylvania is proud of its streetcar!
Media, Pennsylvania is proud of its streetcar!
SEPTA's Route 101 Trolley en route to 69th Street.
SEPTA’s Route 101 Trolley en route from 69th Street.
SEPTA 101 on the streets of Media, PA. Canon EOS 7D with 40mm lens.
SEPTA 101 on the streets of Media, PA. Canon EOS 7D with 40mm lens.

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