Philadelphia’s Early Transit Services

James Boxall provided Philadelphians with their first form of public transportation in 1831, when he began a horse-drawn stagecoach service along Chestnut Street between 16th and 2nd Streets. The success of his "Boxall’s Accommodation" led other companies to offer similar services on the City’s primary streets over the next 65 years.

The arrival of cable cars and electric trolleys led to the demise of the stagecoach lines, with the last horse car ceasing operation in 1897.