The first PCC in Boston was the 3001 which was built as a demonstrator by St. Louis Car in 1937. It was unique in that it had no left hand doors like the later cars, had a different control system, and was not MU. It continued in service until 1950 and was scrapped on February 28, 1953.

The first real order for PCCs came in 1940 when 20 cars were ordered from Pullman-Standard in nearby Worcester. These were to be delivered in February 1941. These cars had left hand doors in the center of the car to allow use in the subway. They also had couplers so that they could be towed by older cars in the event of breakdown. They began service on the Newton-Brighton-Watertown line. After more MU cars were delivered, they were moved to Arborway in 1944 and used on the Tremont Street line. This is where they acquired their name. In 1945, 3017 was given an experimental ventilation system which was not repeated. On October 3, 1954, 3010 was wrecked by derailment and collision with an elevated column. It was scrapped shortly afterwards. Rebuilding came in 1959, when the remaining cars received MU control and couplers. In 1960 they received an extra rooftop headlight for the Riverside line. None remain in service. 3002, 3009, 3013, and 3014 were scrapped in 1971. 3007 was scrapped in 1972. 3005, 3011, 3012, 3016, and 3020 were scrapped in 1973. 3017 and 3018 were scrapped in 1974, and 3019 was sold to Seashore. 3006 and 3015 were scrapped in 1977. 3003 is preserved at Warehouse Point since 1978. 3008 and 3021 were scrapped in 1980. 3004 was scrapped in 1991.

AMDG

10/12/2001

Remembrance of Saint Ethelburga