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Philadelphia Rapid Transit

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. 

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

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

Market Street Bridge and the Schuylkill River, 1900

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

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.

Two trains at elevated railroad 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.

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

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.