Economics of Trolley-Coach Operation

The trolley coach is one of the newer vehicles used in urban transportation. In 1943 trolley coaches carried 8.7 per cent of all passengers on the transit lines of all United States cities having a population between 50,000 and 1,000,000, although trolley coaches are only 6.6 per cent of the vehicles. This paper points out the features of trolley-coach operation which fit it for a wide variety of service conditions. Results of trolley-coach operation in increasing gross revenues are given. The various developments which have contributed to low transportation expense are outlined. Comparisons of trolley-coach, streetcar, and motorbus operating expenses are included. Further progress in trolley-coach design, which can be expected to follow the war, will enhance the trolley coach´s economic position.