History of MBTA_Timeline_Phifer by Boden Phifer

1.) Before the T: Horsepower

bphifer29_ — 2023-10-29 14:47:34 UTC

In this section, the earliest forms of transportation were built in Boston. This includes a ferry and two stagecoaches. Since competition was fierce, the state eventually combined the companies into the private West End Street Railway.

2.) Late 19th Century: Going Electric

bphifer29_ — 2023-10-31 14:17:35 UTC

With so many horses the transportation in Boston was still not great. So, Boston decided to transition to electric streetcars. And with this transition became more stops around Boston.

3.) 1897: The Hemisphere’s First Subway Emerges

bphifer29_ — 2023-10-31 15:00:17 UTC

With no surprise, the electric streetcars were very congested. So, they decided to add subways around Boston.

4.) Early 20th Century: Boston Rises Above

bphifer29_ — 2023-11-01 01:01:32 UTC

By about 1910 the El ran from Everett to Boston’s Forest Hills. One crazy fact is that by 1930, almost 75% of people took the public transit system or walked to get to work.

5.) 1940’s: Change Brewing

bphifer29_ — 2023-11-01 01:01:58 UTC

The MTA took over the El in 1947. As this happened the El was too crowded so the Bostonians preferred the trains underground.

6.) 1960’s: Goodbye, El - Hello, MBTA

bphifer29_ — 2023-11-01 01:04:28 UTC

In this section, the MTA was challenged financially so the MBTA took over in 1964.

7.) 1970’s until now: A tumultuous time

bphifer29_ — 2023-11-01 01:07:19 UTC

In this section, gas prices rises so T riders have to pay more. The T even shut down for a day. To prevent this the MBTA increased their board of members from 5 to 7. And to present day the MBTA still has troubles.

bphifer29_ — 2023-11-01 01:14:30 UTC

This is a picture of the West End Street Railway company car.