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Historic Trolley to Trundle Thru University City for the Holidays

Philadelphia, PA (14 November 2001) -- Not the tinkling of sleigh bells, but the ring of antique trolley bells will soon be heard in University City. A 1947 PCC trolley car decorated for the holidays is travelling on a free excursion route through University City starting Friday 23rd November from 11 am to 5 pm, and every Thursday through Sunday thereafter up to and including Monday 24th December. Passengers may board anywhere along the 20-minute loop between 40th and Market streets and 49th Street and Woodland Avenue.

The Presidential Conference Committee or PCC trolley is the vehicle most Philadelphia trolley-philes recognize as the quintessential Philly trolley. This model, with its row of small standee windows at ceiling height and inward canted windshield (to minimize interior reflections that might distract the motorman) was designed in 1945 and manufactured by the St. Louis Car Company. Fifteen PCC trolleys were in service on Route 42 on Chestnut Street (now served by the #42 bus). Use of this type of trolley continued into the early 1990s.

A ride on the Historic Holiday Trolley is free due to the generosity of its sponsors: University City District, SEPTA, University of Pennsylvania, the freshgrocer, Philadelphia on the West Side, and University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

So climb aboard for a bit of nostalgia and holiday cheer! For more information, contact the UCD at 215 243 0555 or visit UCityphila.com.


Release Date: Wednesday, November 14th 2001