Mattapan-Ashmont MBTA Branch: PCC Spotting

Photos here: http://jdgator95.smugmug.com/Trains/Mattapan-Ashmont-PCC-Line/12671401_yLjtS#...
The 1945 "wartime class" PCC trolleys that run on the Mattapan-Ashmont "high-speed branch" in Boston are the last of their kind in revenue service, and don't get nearly the amount of attention they deserve. The MBTA maintains a fleet of 10 active PCC cars, originally built and purchased by them in 1945-1946. In the 1990s and early 2000s they were brought back to their former glory with a tangerine, maroon, cream and silver paint scheme identical from when they ran on the Green Line from the 1940s to the 1970s, along with an updated version of the original MTA "map logo". They are a treat to see in action!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• mbta
• pcc
• trolley
• streetcar
• wartime
• class
• subway
• train
• mattapan
• ashmont
• boston
• jdgator95

[clydesight]

I live in Boston and did not know about this line! It's nice to see the old cars still running! Thanks for the video, it is very clear and interesting!

[jdgator95]

@clydesight Your welcome, it is a fairly little known line...even for mbta regulars.

[timosha21]

The Philadelphia ones look nicer and older...

[jdgator95]

@timosha21 The reason they look nicer is that they aren't even considered PCCs anymore, they are known as "PCC 2's" because they've been stripped down and rebuilt so much they are essentially just a modern LRV in a PCC's shell to make them appear old. These are completely original aside from the air conditioning units on the roof, the fareboxes, speedometers and of course the paint.

[timosha21]

@jdgator95 one year on I can now agree with you simply because I have experienced the pcc in Boston now firsthand and rode both on the Philly and Boston ones... Both are different but I like this one a bit more however I wish this route would have been incorporated into a more urban setting like the F line in SF or the PCCs in Philly

[jdgator95]

@timosha21 I agree, I wish they would run one on the Green Line as fan trips. They used to until the '90s.

[awesomejesse100]

good job.



[jtoepfer100]

I love the sound of those brakes releasing on those air cars. Such a soothing sound

[Bastranz]

Marvelous video and pictures. I always enjoy riding the Mattapan High Speed Line when I visit Boston.

[Smackdown9586]

@2001rtm Thanks!

[2001rtm]

@Smackdown9586 What you have to do is ride the Red line down to Ashmont (DON'T make the mistake of going to Braintree), go up the stairs, and find the sign that says "To trolleys". Follow it, then wait for your PCC to arrive. It's that easy.

[Smackdown9586]

Where are these found? I know it says Mattapan-Ashmont Branch, but I still need some clarification. I would literally spend a day just riding these old trolleys. Please respond.

[timosha21]

their paranoid about filming... >:( it pisses me off... in this area only...

[Madness832]

Just a few days ago, I took the 245 bus from Quincy Center & then rode the trolley to Ashmont. Think it's been a good 15 years since my last trip!