Reference

Between 1871 and 1959, Allston-Brighton experienced several significant changes in transportation. Below are the key developments:

1. Horse-Drawn Trolleys (1871):

   • In 1871, the town widened Cambridge Street from the Allston Depot to the town center, anticipating the introduction of horse-drawn trolley service. This change was pivotal as it established a new mode of public transport to connect various parts of the area (Boston.gov).

2. Electric Streetcars (1888):

   • One of the most transformative moments in Boston's transportation history occurred in 1888 when Allston-Brighton introduced its first electric-powered streetcar. This innovation significantly improved the efficiency and connectivity of public transport in the region (BA History).

3. Automobiles:

   • The early 20th century saw a shift towards automobile transportation. As car ownership rose, the infrastructure adapted with road expansions and the creation of new roadways, fundamentally altering the traditional reliance on streetcars and trolleys (Library of Virginia).

4. Transition from Trolleys to Buses:

   • By the mid-20th century, many streetcar lines were replaced with bus routes. This transition was aided by the introduction of trolleybuses, which allowed streetcar companies to switch to buses without significant investment in new infrastructure, as they could use existing overhead wires (Transit Dot Gov).

These changes reflect the broader trends in urban transportation, moving from animal-powered to electric and eventually to motorized vehicles, fundamentally transforming how residents of Allston-Brighton traveled and interacted with the city.