Across New York Harbor from Manhattan, streetcars survived long after Gotham gave them up. In Newark, New Jersey, an old canal bed became a streetcar right-of-way, with part covered over to form what was called the ‘City Subway’.

In 1953, Newark’s old streetcars were replaced by 30 Minneapolis-St. Paul PCC streetcars, just 5 to 7 years old. Separated from street traffic, stored under cover and well maintained, these cars provided reliable service for a half-century until New Jersey Transit, the state operating agency, replaced the PCCs with light rail vehicles in 2001.

Muni purchased 11 of the Newark cars in 2004 and renovated them to meet growing rider demands on Market Street and The Embarcadero.

This car’s exterior is painted in the 1950s livery it first wore in Newark, including the unique red wheels, source of its ‘Ruby Slippers’ nickname. Toto, we’re not in Newark anymore!