Five very modern steel cars were delivered in 1930 by the Ottawa Car Manufacturing Company. As a novelty, these fine cars had a seated position for the motorman, comfortable leather seats and air operated doors. Unfortunately, they were the last new streetcars to be built for Edmonton. All five cars remained in service until 1951 and served on the blue and white route from Whyte Avenue across the High Level Bridge to 80th Street and 118th Avenue.
Upon streetcar abandonment it was hoped to find a buyer for these still modern cars and they were kept in Cromdale yard for a few more years. Unfortunately and due to many streetcar abandonments all over the continent, a sale did not materialize. Four cars were finally scrapped. The body of No. 80 saw further service as a roadside diner at Dawson Creek BC and in the end as a farm building near Buick Creek BC.
The body of the car was discovered by coincidence and brought back to Edmonton. Suitable trucks and electrical equipment could be purchased from Melbourne, Australia. The complete restoration of this fine car took 20 years to complete and made it - like back in ERR days - the pride of the fleet. Streetcar #80 is mainly used for private charters and special occasions.
The Edmonton Radial Railway Society operates on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.