BOSTON ELEVATED RAILWAY RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM
The transportation system of the city of Boston comprises a combination of both rapid transit and surface lines operated under a single fare arrangement with transfer privileges permitting a continuous ride in one general direction from one end to the other of the system. The elevated lines and the Tremont St. Subway were originally built by the railway company in 1901. Today the total transportation system includes more than 500 miles of line of which 37 miles are subway and elevated tracks. The population served in the district of more than 92 square miles is considerably over a million people and the number of revenue passengers carried, approximates 350,000,000 per year. Statistics are not available as to the passengers carried on the Rapid Transit lines.
Exterior of Main Power Station at South BostonExterior of Main Power Station at South Boston
Exterior of Main Power Station at South Boston
Exterior of Main Power Station at South Boston
The original elevated structure operated between Sullivan Sq., Charlestown, and Dudley Street, with two branches through the city, one by subway under Tremont St. and the other by the way of Atlantic Ave. and South Station. In 1908-9 the elevated structure was extended to the present terminal at Forest Hills and the Washington St. Subway was completed through the business part of the city. The Cambridge Subway was placed in operation in 1912. Recent extensions include an elevated line from Sullivan Square to Everett and reconstruction of the tunnel to East Boston.
Since July 1, 1919, the system has been operated by the Board of Trustees of the Commonwealth. Under the direction of this board are included not only the details of operation and management, but also the decisions as to fares to be charged independent of the State Department of Public Utilities.
Under the direction of the present management a continuous program of improvements has been inaugurated which has necessitated the re-routing of trains to handle the traffic to the best advantage.
Briefly there are four main routes as follows:
Briefly there are four main routes as follows:
The Forest Hills-Everett route is called the main line, and the Harvard-Andrew route the Cambridge Subway. The Bowdoin-Maverick Square line up to the present has been operating three-car trains with overhead trolley, but new equipment consisting of steel cars is now on order and the third rail is now being installed in the tunnel. The Lechmere Sq.-Broadway line over East Cambridge Viaduct and Tremont St. Subway is also considered a rapid transit route, although surface type cars are used with overhead trolley. These cars are equipped for multiple unit control and are operated in three-car trains.
35,000-Kw. Turbo-Generator in South Boston Power Station35,000-Kw. Turbo-Generator in South Boston Power Station
35,000-Kw. Turbo-Generator in South Boston Power Station
35,000-Kw. Turbo-Generator in South Boston Power Station
The rush hour trains on the main line include as high as eight cars, which is the limit set by the length of the station platforms. The signal system is entirely automatic and during rush hours the headway varies from 2 to 3½ minutes on the main line. The maximum grades encountered are 2 to 3 percent with a high percentage of heavy curvature. By taking advantage of the transfer arrangements at terminals, rides of 14 miles can be obtained for a single fare.
The power system as originally installed included several engine-driven direct-current plants suitably located for distributing 600 volts direct to the trolley. With the extension of the system, however, an alternating-current station was installed at South Boston, generating 25-cycle three-phase current for distribution at 13,200 volts to synchronous converter substations. Alternating-current generating equipment has also been installed at the Lincoln Station. The total installed capacity of turbine stations is now 115,000 kw. while the direct-current generating stations have practically all been discontinued.
Rapid Transit Lines—Boston Elevated RailwayRapid Transit Lines—Boston Elevated Railway
Rapid Transit Lines—Boston Elevated Railway
Rapid Transit Lines—Boston Elevated Railway
Exterior of Egleston Square SubstationExterior of Egleston Square Substation
Exterior of Egleston Square Substation
Exterior of Egleston Square Substation
There are in operation for supplying power to both elevated and surface lines a total of 12 synchronous converter substations having a total rated capacity of 58,000 kw. The power consumption of the Rapid Transit lines is somewhat less than half the total energy used.
Direct current is distributed from the several substations at 600 volts and is collected on the rapid transit systems from an 85-lb. over-running third rail.
Altogether there are 420 cars in the rapid transit service, the older cars weighing about 34 tons with seating capacity of 48 and the newer type as used in the Cambridge Subway 43 tons each, arranged to seat 72 passengers. On account of the limiting clearances in the old subway the Cambridge cars cannot be used on the main line. All cars are motor cars and no attempt is made to use trailers. Each car is equipped with two motors and multiple unit control.
Latest Type of Steel Motor Car Used in Cambridge SubwayLatest Type of Steel Motor Car Used in Cambridge Subway
Latest Type of Steel Motor Car Used in Cambridge Subway
Latest Type of Steel Motor Car Used in Cambridge Subway
Main Line Train—Boston Elevated RailwayMain Line Train—Boston Elevated Railway
Main Line Train—Boston Elevated Railway
Main Line Train—Boston Elevated Railway
Interior of Substation Equipped with 2000-Kw. Synchronous ConvertersInterior of Substation Equipped with 2000-Kw. Synchronous Converters
Interior of Substation Equipped with 2000-Kw. Synchronous Converters
Interior of Substation Equipped with 2000-Kw. Synchronous Converters