Passenger Services

Regular, Frequent Service

A variety of regular passenger services were offered on the line. Initially there were three; “Flyer” cars, which only stopped at designated stations and always had priority at passing loops, “Limited”, an express service of sorts, which had designated stops at the busiest stops and flag-stopped at smaller stations, and “Local” service, which would flag-stop anywhere on the line. Limited service would quickly replace the much less favorable Flyers.1

Where the Cleveland, Southwestern, and Columbus passenger service truly thrived, however, was in specialty services such as chartered cars and excursions to local and regional attractions.

Front cover of the interurban schedule. Text: A Vest Pocket Schedule of the Cleveland and South-Western Traction Co. In Effect January 1, 1906. Compliments F.H. Maddock, Agent, Oberlin, Ohio
Front Cover of a pocket schedule circa 1906
Interior of 1906 Pocket Schedule. While the frequency of the services would not be impressive in a modern, transit oriented city, hourly service was revolutionary at the time.
A conductor’s stub from the Western division showing number of riders on each ticket and, in smaller print, the price, in cents, paid.

Excursions

  1. Wilcox, Max E. The Cleveland, Southwestern, & Columbus Railway Story. Vol. 1. 1 vols. Max E. Wilcox, Northern Ohio Railway Museum, 1951.
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