At one time, the Market-Frankford line (The El) had a branch that ran south on Delaware Ave. down to South St. The Delaware Avenue El (also called the Ferries Line, because of the multiple ferries across the river) opened on October 4, 1908. The only two stations on this extension were Market-Chestnut and South Street. Its trains transported passengers to and from commuter ferries to New Jersey.
Following the opening of the Delaware River Bridge in 1926 (renamed B. Franklin Bridge in 1955) and the Bridge Line (rail line crossing the bridge from Camden to Phila., now PATCO) in 1936, traffic on the ferries (and the Ferries Line) declined sharply. Evening, Sunday and holiday service on the Ferries Line was discontinued in early 1937.
Most of the ferries ceased operating by 1939, though ferries continued until 1952, and the Ferry Line stopped running in May, 1939. Its structure was then dismantled, without a trace remaining.
Postcard showing Delaware 1910 map showing Ferries Line Hairpin turn at Arch St.
Ave. with the Ferries Line making hairpin turn at Arch St and heading south on Delaware Ave.
Ferries Line tracks above Market - Chestnut St Station End of line at South St. Delaware Ave. Station
Last ferry to cross the river - March 31, 1952
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