By HWM
In the mid-1940s, the soulful streets of Harlem resonated with the nostalgic clang of trolley bells, a sound that signified both community and change.
The Third Avenue Railway System (TARS), a stalwart of urban transit since the 19th century, was still weaving its magic through the neighborhood, particularly along the Amsterdam Avenue line at 129th Street—a vital artery in Harlem’s public transport network during a time of profound transformation.
A Legacy in Motion
Founded in 1852, TARS began its journey with horse-drawn carriages, connecting City Hall to 62nd Street. As the city evolved, so did TARS. By 1899, it had electrified its operations, ingeniously sidestepping Manhattan’s ban on overhead wires by utilizing a conduit system nestled between the rails.
This innovation allowed streetcars to glide through the bustling streets, bringing life and mobility to New Yorkers.
Elevated Ambitions
While trolleys dominated the streets, the Third Avenue Elevated Line soared above them. Established in 1878, this elevated railway offered an alternative route through Manhattan and the Bronx until its gradual decline between 1950 and 1973. It was a testament to the city’s relentless push for progress.
The Era of Lightweight Design
In a bid to modernize further, TARS rolled out 335 lightweight streetcars in the 1930s, featuring rubber-mounted trucks for a ride as smooth as Harlem’s jazz rhythms. These sleek vehicles were emblematic of a bygone era, soon to be overshadowed by the impending shift to bus transport.
The Amsterdam Avenue Line: A Farewell
By 1946, the Amsterdam Avenue trolley—part of route “T”—was nearing its twilight. This beloved line connected Park Row to Fort George, traversing through iconic locales like Bowery and 125th Street.
RELATED: Get more of Harlem’s history on our Harlem History page.
For Harlem residents, these wooden cars were more than just transit; they were a cherished part of daily life.
The Winds of Change
However, change was on the horizon. In May 1947, the Third and Amsterdam Avenues trolley line would be replaced by buses—a move emblematic of a larger citywide effort to modernize public transportation. This transition reflected shifting urban planning philosophies and an increasing embrace of automobile-centric infrastructure.
Echoes of a Bygone Era
Today, remnants of the TARS trolley system linger only in faded photographs and cherished memories. These snapshots serve as poignant reminders of Harlem’s rich transportation heritage—an era when streetcars dictated the rhythm of daily life.
As Harlem continues to evolve, these glimpses into its past offer vital context for understanding how public transit has shaped its vibrant character.
The legacy of TARS endures in today’s bus routes along Amsterdam Avenue, continuing to connect Harlem residents with the wider city just as their rail-bound predecessors did over seven decades ago—reminding us that while modes may change, the spirit of community remains timeless.
Photo credit: 1) West 149th Street, Harlem TARS Trolley, 1946, Source. 2) West 149th Street, Harlem TARS Trolley, 1946, Source. 3) West 149th Street, East Harlem TARS Trolley, 1946, Source.
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