Peter Witt streetcar

Peter Witt streetcar was introduced by Cleveland Railway commissioner Peter Witt (1869-1948) who led the transit agency from 1911-1915 and who designed a model of streetcar known by his name, and used in many North American cities, most notably in Toronto and Cleveland.

Features

This design was distinguished from other streetcars of the era by its use of the center door as an exit only, with a conductor stationed inside just in front of the door. Passengers could board through the front doors without waiting or paying; they could pay the conductor immediately and sit in the rear of the car (in the nicer seats), or wait in front and pay just before they exit. This had the effect of reducing the car's dwell time at stops, improving schedule times and increasing capacity. Many vehicles were later converted to pay-as-you-enter operation in order to reduce the number of staff needed, but they continued to be known as Peter Witt cars.

History

Mr. Witt completed the first prototype in 1914 and filed his patent for the car design in 1915. G.C. Kuhlman Car Company then delivered 130 cars of this design to Cleveland in 1915 and 1916. From this point the design was licensed to a number of cities that needed large capacity trolleys. Toronto Transportation Commission ordered 575 cars from 1921 to 1923 and operated them until 1965. Philadelphia Rapid Transit ordered 525 cars from 1923 to 1926, while also converting most of their 1,500 Nearside streetcar fleet to center exit models. Production continued until the introduction of the PCC streetcar in the mid-1930s.

Peter Witt (Toronto streetcar)

The Peter Witt streetcar was designed by the Cleveland Street Railway in the U.S. The Toronto Transit Commission version was built under license by Canada Car and Foundry of Montreal. A small number were also built by the Ottawa Car Company and the Preston Car Company. Between 1921 and 1923, 575 of these streetcars were ordered by the TTC for use on Toronto streets.

The Peter Witts ran on the busiest streetcar routes, and were heavily used until they were replaced by the Yonge and University subway lines. Those still in use were officially retired in 1965.

Although most of the cars were scrapped, one was retained for historic purposes, and in 2001 the Toronto Transit Commission budgeted $100,000 to have it restored to its original condition.

Car 2890 is preserved in operating condition at the Seashore Trolley Museum.

TTC Peter Witt Specifications