Bus Riders Union of Austin, Texas | El Sindicato de Pasajeros

Names of Transit Companies in Austin since January 1875:

from Austin City Railroad to
Austin Rapid Transit Railway (1891) to
Austin Electric Railroad (1902) to
Austin Street Railway (1911) to
Austin Transit Company (1940) to
Austin Transit Incorporated (1946) to
Austin Transit Corporation (1955) to
Transportation Enterprises, Incorporated (August 1970) to
Austin Transit Corporation (March 1971) to
Austin Transit System (1973) to
Capital Metro Transportation Authority (1985)

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LOOKING BACKWARDS
70 Years
or
Austin's Transportation History

by Austin Transit Co.

1870 - 1875

In the early 70's, the establishment of a mule car street transportation system, serving the more thickly settled portion of Austin, furnished to the residents of this thriving young Capitol City of Texas their first public transportation system. This system was acquired by Dr. J. J. Tobin and his brother, Dr. W. H. Tobin, who operated it until it was disposed of to M. M. Shipe, who had associated with him Messrs. Liebold and Urie.

1890 - 1891

At this time, street railway electrification was just being considered by only a very few cities in the United States. Mr. Shipe showed wonderful foresight and persistency in pushing this improvement to a successful conclusion. So that on the 27th of February, 1891, Austin saw its first electric car in operation by the Austin Rapid Transit Railway Company.

1891 - 1940

Electric railway service has been maintained continuously since that time to the present date with the exception of a short period in 1900, when the failure of the Austin Dam forced the Company, which was then purchasing its power from the City, to revert to the use of the mule cars until it could build its own power plant. Since that time, the Company has generated its own power.

1940

Today, February 7th, the last electric car to be run over the Main Line will make its final complete trip, and Austin will have added one more chapter to its progressive history. However, the complete substitution; - that is, when the electric service is discontinued on the East and West Line and bus service substituted therefore, will be accomplished several months earlier than was anticipated when the extension of franchise became effective on the 12th day of December, last.

What the next period of 70 years will show in the line of improvement and advancement in local transportation will be impossible to predict, but what has actually transpired within the past 70 years has certainly indicated marked advancement, and we believe will compare favorably with what may take place in the corresponding future period of 70 years.

We desire to express our appreciation for the cooperation of the City Officials, and also of the business men and civic bodies as manifest through the Chamber of Commerce.

AUSTIN TRANSIT CO.

Courtesy Austin History Center
Filed Under "Transportation, T7850 - general"