TROLLIES

Cincinnati city council is talking about a proposal to install a new trolley line in the core downtown area. It would run through the new "banks project" and wind its way uptown for twelve or fourteen blocks or so. These trolleys run on metal rails laid in the streets and the cars are powered by electric motor. They have long extension cords.



Around the beginning of the 20th century, trolley lines were becoming popular in many of America's big cities. The traction companies which ran them could make money during the work week but a lack of riders meant that they were losing money on the weekends. In an effort to offset this, the traction companies began to build "trolley parks" at the far end of their runs. These parks featured food, games, and rides. The first of these was built in 1895 by the traction company of New York City in a place called Coney Island. It was a big success as it attracted big crowds in the summer months. And thus, the amusement park was born.