Interurbans in Indiana

Abstract

During the first decade of the 20th century the prevailing means of passenger transportation, steam-power trains, faced increasing challenges from electric railways and motor vehicles. Offering greater convenience and flexibility than the steam railroad, the electric railway had remarkable success in urban service for short-distance travel, which quickly led to its rural and intercity operation. The urban electric railway is referred to as the streetcar, while in rural use it is called the interurban. The two systems differ in that the equipment of the interurban is usually larger, heavier, and faster. While the next chapter will discuss of the streetcar, this chapter is directed to the interurban.