When Portland was known as ‘Streetcar City’ | Oregon Experience

“Oregon Experience” takes a look back at Portland's historic streetcars, which were once one of the most extensive streetcar systems in the country. Streetcars provided cheap and comfortable public transportation before there were automobiles. Streetcar lines formed the streets and neighborhoods that shaped our cities, providing a foundation for the modern streetcar revival. This story originally broadcast Feb. 28, 2011. For more stories like this visit OPB online at https://opb.org --- Oregon Public Broadcasting aims to elevate and amplify the community, connect Oregon and its neighbors, and illuminate a wider world through stories. OPB Every Day. OPB Everywhere. One way to support OPB and the work of public media is to subscribe to our channel for new OPB videos every month: https://www.youtube.com/opb?sub_confi... Member support makes all the videos on the OPB YouTube channel possible, and everything else you love. Ensure the next important story is covered and join in as a Sustainer now at https://give.opb.org/opb/?s=OAMEGNS22... #OregonExperience #PBS #Documentary #PublicTV #HistoricPreservation #StreetcarHistory #PortlandStreetcars #TransitHistory #RailHistory #UrbanTransit #StreetcarsOfAmerica #HistoricTransit #TransportationHistory #PortlandHistory #OregonHistory #PDXHeritage #HistoricPortland #MadeInOregon #BeforeCars #UrbanPlanning #VintageTransportation #AmericanHistory #ShapingCities #OPB #Oregon #PacificNorthWest 0:00 The street car era 1:36 Automobile dominance 3:14 Riding the rails 5:47 From horses to steam 7:41 The cable car era 9:53 The electric revolution 12:51 Heritage in Astoria 15:05 Neighborhood development 18:16 Interurban expansion 22:47 Technological decline 26:14 Modern street car revival