Because one of the objectives of trolley lines was to bring shoppers into the commercial centers of American cities, they tended to be laid out like the spokes of a wagon wheel; all routes inevitably led downtown, which is one reason that central business districts grew so rapidly during the peak trolley years.
PG6. Trolleys were urban rails serving as commuter rail. Operated on hub-spoke model. Had to own land, pay taxes. Depended on franchises from local Gov. Holding Prices steady w/ecomimic uncertainty.
