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Philadelphia Rapid Transit

    Map of Market Street Elevated in 1934

    This 1934 Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company map shows the Market Street Elevated and Subway. The subway in West Philadelphia would not be completed until 1955. 

    Putting the Market Street Elevated Underground

    Between 1947 and 1955, the Philadelphia Transit Company completed a subway tunnel for the Market Street Elevated west of the Schuylkill and took down the El between 32nd and 45th streets.

    Market Street Bridge and the Schuylkill River, 1900
    Entering West Philadelphia in 1900

    In 1900, streetcars, carriages, and pedestrians shared the Market Street bridge across the Schuylkill River.

    Children pose next to construction equipment near the first constructed section of the Market Elevated.
    The First Section of the Market Elevated in West Philadelphia

    Children pose next to construction equipment near the first constructed section of the Market Elevated.

    Two trains at elevated railroad station
    Market Street Elevated 40th Street Station

    The Market Street Elevated opened in 1907 with lines running from Center City out to the 69th street terminus.

    Children pose next to construction equipment near the first constructed section of the Market Elevated.
    Building the Market Street Elevated in West Philadelphia

    The Market Street Subway and Elevated opened in West Philadelphia in 1907, carrying commuters from three stations along the elevated line to 23rd Street, and from there underground to City Hall.

    Market Street Bridge and the Schuylkill River, 1900
    Electric Streetcars and The Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company

    At the turn of the last century, the privately formed Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company contracted with the city to build and operate the electrified Market Street Elevated (“The El”), with a component designated for West Philadelphia.