Philly's historic streetcars are making a comeback, painted in their original green and cream. SEPTA has announced that the Presidents' Conference Committee (PCC) trolleys, dating back to the 1940s, will be returning to city streets this Sunday, according to Patch. Ahead of their official return to Route 15, SEPTA is hosting a special celebratory ride and shop tour at its Woodland Shop on Wednesday. SEPTA CEO Leslie Richards, board Chair Kenneth Lawrence Jr., District Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, and Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer are expected to attend the event.
These trolleys have seen extensive overhauls, with state-of-the-art upgrades including new floors, windows, updated wheelchair lifts, and HVAC units. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply bottlenecks, SEPTA has persevered in its mission to restore these iconic vehicles, CBS News reported. SEPTA's Senior Press Officer Kelly Greene expressed awe at the transformation, saying, "I've had the opportunity to stop by the shop many times over the years to witness the hard work being done by SEPTA employees and the transformation of these historic trolleys is amazing."
The restoration comes with a significant investment, with each trolley demanding approximately $1 million and 13,000 manpower hours to update. SEPTA's undertaking not only revives a piece of Philadelphia's history but also rejuvenates a key transit route that services communities across the city. As noted by 6abc, two more restored trolleys are expected to join the fleet by next spring, ensuring that this legacy will not only be preserved but also continue to evolve.
"This is an extremely exciting day, I've been looking forward to it since I started in 2020," said SEPTA CEO Leslie Richards during the unveiling ceremony. The commitment to modernizing while maintaining the aesthetic of the trolley's heyday exemplifies SEPTA's dedication to both heritage and utility. With a portion of Route 15 running through Councilmember Jamie Gauthier's district, these trolleys represent not just a means of transportation, but a mobile homage to Philadelphia's past, alluded to by both Patch and CBS News. The community's anticipation for the trolleys' return is high, as they promise to bring more than just a splash of nostalgia to the daily commute.
