Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 March 1901 — Current Topics [ARTICLE]

Current Topics

Liverpool CT rambuay-i. The recent cocnpletion.of the “outer belt,” one of the most popular features of-the* reorganized tramway service of Liverpool, calls attention to what is now the most extensive system of electric tramways in Great Britain and to another instance of municipalization of transit facilities only second in interest to Glasgow’s departure in this direction nearly seven years ago. Tramways were started in Liverpool under private enterprise in the sixties, but disputes arose with the city which led, in 1874, to public ownership of the tracks and the leasing of these to a private company. More friction occurred in 1897, however, and the city finally bought out the company. Plans were then entered upon for introducing electric traction, the overhead trolley was decided up, and the conversion has been going on for two years. The mileage has been nearly doubled and now comprises eighty-five miles of single track, routes have been rearranged and extended, 275 cars are now employed, and the number is to b$ increased to 400, the passengers increased from 38,500,000 in 1897 to over 63,750,000 in 1899, the receipts increased in the same period from £287,786 to £356,265, and it is expected that the passengers for last year will be shown, when the report is out, to have been nearly 120,000,000.