Public Transit in Baltimore

Accession Number P75-54-0063g, Hughes Company Glass Negatives Collection

Courtesy of the Photography Collections, University of Maryland, Baltimore Country

Image Number Neg Z9.395.PP8, Hughes Studio Photograph Collection,

Courtesy of the Prints and Photographs Division, Maryland Historical Society

Public transit in Baltimore went through a series of highs and lows ending with the eventual upheaval of streetcars for the more modern modes of transit. The initial forms of public transit were horse drawn cars used in the 1850s. By the 1880s, horse drawn cars were replaced by electric streetcars. In 1899, the streetcar companies were consolidated into United Railway and Electric. At this time, United  Railway streetcars serviced all of Baltimore. Automobiles were only used by the upper classes, so streetcars were the only option for moving around the city.

Modern Transit

Image Number Neg Z9. 1864.pp30, Hughes Studio Photography Collection,

Courtesy of the Prints and Photographs Division, Maryland Historical Society

The street car was in a sense an end to an era in public transportation. As the city modernized, the streetcar could not sustain as the main mode of transit. The streetcar was surpassed by the automobile and more important the bus. By 1945, Baltimore officially began to switch over to buses. Buses were able to reach areas streetcars could not. Not only was transit modernizing but Baltimore infrastructure as well. If we compare this picture to the first of this theme, it is clear how much the roads transformed and expanded perhaps to accommodate all forms of transportation. During the war, it was clear that public transit is a necessity during times of strain. For those who live in the suburbs today, we may not think about transit but for city dwellers the metro, train, and buses are essential for their commutes. While the design of these vehicles may change, public transit will always be important to Baltimore.