Peter Witt streetcar
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Peter Witt was a Cleveland Street Railway commissioner, who designed a model of streetcar, which is known by his name, and was used in many North American cities, (most notably in Toronto and Cleveland) and also Milan, Italy, where 200 Ventotto (‘twenty-eight’) vehicles (introduced in 1928) are still in use up to this day.
This design was distinguished from other streetcars of the era by its use of the center door as an exit only, with a conductor stationed inside just in front of the door. Passengers could board through the front doors without waiting; they could pay the conductor immediately and sit in the rear of the car, or wait in front and pay just before they exit. This had the effect of reducing the car's dwell time at stops, improving schedule times and increasing capacity. Many vehicles were later converted to pay-as-you-enter operation in order to reduce the number of staff needed, but they continued to be known as ‘Peter Witt cars’.
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[edit] Operators
Operators that used Peter Witt streetcars included:
[edit] Builders
- J. G. Brill and Company - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Canada Car and Foundry - Montréal, Québec
- Cincinnati Car Company - Cincinnati, Ohio
- G. C. Kuhlman Car Company - Cleveland, Ohio
- Ottawa Car Company - Ottawa, Ontario
- Preston Car Company - Preston, Ontario
- St. Louis Car Company - St Louis, Missouri
In Italy:
- Carminati & Toselli Milano
- Officine elettroferroviarie Tallero - Milano
- Officine Ferroviarie Moncenisio Condove - Torino
- Officine Ferroviarie Meridionali del Vasto Vasto
[edit] See also
- PCC streetcar - Presidents' Conference Committee Car
- Birney - Birney Safety Car
