Charlotte, NC — Borrowed Trolley

Rail Transit Online – August 2004

The first week of heritage streetcar operation linking Charlotte’s Historic South End to Uptown (Center City) attracted 8,354 passengers, with the highest single-day total — 1,535 — recorded on July 3.  Severe crowding on some runs has prompted the Charlotte Area Transit System to lease a replica open-bench trolley from Gomaco.  Car No. 1776 was built in the mid-1980s, about the time when two similar cars were manufactured for the line in the Lowell (Massachusetts) National Historic Park.  According to Gomaco Sales Manager John Kallin, No. 1776 briefly operated in Mason City, Iowa, before returning to the company plant in Ida Grove, Iowa.  It has remained there ever since.  Kallin said the 15-bench car has seating for 90 and is powered by a set of Milan trucks with 25 hp motors.  The car is scheduled to be returned to Gomaco after the arrival of the last of three new replica Birney cars being supplied to Charlotte.  The first car is scheduled for delivery in late August, the second in late September and the third in late October.

Rapid progress is being made on the three Birney replicas for the Charlotte Area Transit System.  Gomaco photo.