Peter Witt Trolleys
If you’ve ever been to San Francisco, seen San Francisco, or hell, heard of San Francisco, then you’ve probably heard about the city’s throwback transit system. Along with picturesque spans, the surface-level transportation is easy on the eyes. Not to be outdone, Milan is also home to the same Peter Witt trolleys, a fitting home considering their Italian influence.
Since 1928, Peter Witts have combed the streets, although San Francisco and Milan are the only remaining cities to permanently incorporate them into their transit system. At the highest point, Peter Witts were the transportation of record in 15 American cities, Toronto, Mexico City and three other Italian cities. They’ve been the mainstay in Milan since the beginning.
Always a sucker for trains, trolley and the like, I’m really into these and enjoy the fact that they’re still a legitimate mode of transport. Fitted out with wooden details and original paint jobs, the only real additions these trolleys have seen since their introduction is a new GPS system. Not bad for 84 years of service.
An 1841 Peter Witt Trolley I snapped in Milan earlier this year.
An 1859 Peter Witt trolley spotted in San Francisco last month along with an 1807 (above).
Trying to figure out how Peter Witts originally ended up in Italy. Explanation would be nice.
Hi Rob-
Philadelphia, upon request, sent a Peter Witt 8000 to Milan. The city transport fathers loved the car- so says the story- and they got the rights from JG Brill to manufacture the car in Italy, paying royalty and whatever else was needed. Look at the cars and then compare the Philly car. Pretty class, even though it is narrower. Even down to the placement of the Route number and destination. The fact that the car has lastest in Milan for over seeventy years and continue to run.
Love those Peter Witts.