This group is dedicated to the Birney Safety Car, the streetcar which was developed in the late 1910s as an answer to rising labor and operational costs in the street railway industry.

Birneys ran in small towns and large cities alike throughout the United States, Canada and even Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. They could be found in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Chicago, Marion IN, St. Petersburg FL, Birmingham, Fort Collins, Fresno, Los Angeles and other cities and towns. They came mostly in bouncy single-truck versions, but sturdy double-truck Birneys ran in many communitites.

Today, one can still see Birneys in operation at museums and even in revenue service in some locales.

In addition to Birneys, discussion of other 4-wheel streetcars is permitted and encouraged.

To join this group, you MUST have a valid Yahoo! Profile. This allows members to view the Files, Photos and other group features. Individuals without valid Yahoo! Profiles must obtain one before joining.

HOME PAGE PICTURE (07-06) AUSTIN: Around 1920, the Austin Street Railway introduced Birneys to its streetcar lines. A parade of four Birneys, led by brand-new car 14, line up with three deck roof double-truck trolleys on a downtown street close by the Texas State Capitol. Streetcar service continued in the Lone Star State capital at least through 1937. Stephen M. Scalzo collection/Dave's Railpix