Nostalgia & History > "Electrics to the World's Fair"

Key System articulated bridge unit # 152 lays over in the yard at "Central Carhouse" located at 3rd Avenue and East 18th Street in Oakland, CA, circa 1939--1940.
With the designation of Route "X", it means that this train is working "Exposition" service, to the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island.

Even though the SF Bay Bridge was completed and this train had the capability to run all the way over the bridge into San Francisco to 1st and Mission Streets, the "X" trains were operated differently. When the Westbound "X"-trains reached "Bridge Yard" near the Toll Plaza, the Towerman routed them over the still-intact "Key Pier" to the ferry slip.
Passengers then rode a KEY Ferry from the Pier to Treasure Island. The Southern Pacific also operated ferry boats to Treasure Island.
By 1942, the famous KEY Pier had been completely removed !

In the attached photo, near the lower left corner, note the unique "ground signal" unit that was used at Central Carhouse. KEY utilized many different strange looking signals!

KRK

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Ken:

Glad to see that you are back. I enjoy your tidbits about the Bay Area.

Steve