Former operator warns against street cars

In a letter to the New Era posted Oct. 25, Alan W. Bixby disclosed that "some years ago" he operated trolleys for what has become SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) and explains why trolleys are dangerous and how they obstruct traffic.

Bixby says "Problems that arise from light-rail service are accidents from people boarding and unboarding and traffic tie-ups."

He goes on to say "Braking time on rail is much longer than on cars, and that factor is increased tenfold when oil, antifreeze or what ever else gets on the rails."

So if you see a trolley in your rear view mirror and need to come to a sudden stop, you likely will have the trolley in your trunk!