History of Trolleys on Cambie

Trolley bus service in Vancouver began August 15th, 1948 to large crowds attempting to mob their way on to these new vehicles. The trolleys were very popular with Vancouverites and an instant success with citizens applauding the smooth, quiet ride they offered.

At their peak, Streetcar routes covered most of Vancouver. The one exception was Cambie Street. Cambie Street remains historically very important for trolley bus service in Vancouver, with the first route in the city terminating at 29th and Cambie, where a plaque erected in 1998 remains to this day. Trolley wires were extended southward from 29th Ave in two stages. First to 50th Ave on January 25th, 1952, and then to 65th Ave on February 27, 1970. Over the years Cambie Street has been one of the most heavily used routes in the city, and will likely continue to be even after Canada Line construction.