These are original Rochester Subway, Bus, and/or Trolley tokens. All
of these tokens were in circulation at some point while the Rochester
Subway was in operation (1928-1956). Rochester’s first tokens were
introduced in 1887 by the Rochester City and Brighton Railway. Since
that time Rochester transit tokens have come and gone in various shapes,
colors, and sizes. Select a coin below for more information and
detailed views.
RTC Token (1948-1965)
Good for one city fare on all bus and trolley lines (including the Rochester Subway). Issued 1948. 16mm. White Metal, Copper-plated.
Roll of NYS Rys. Tokens (c.1938)
This is an UNUSED roll of NYS Railways Tokens. We're not 100% certain how old this roll is, but the RTC stamp gives us a clue...
After the Erie Canal was rerouted south of downtown Rochester, the Rochester
Industrial & Rapid Transit Railway (the “subway”) was built in
its place as a link between the five different railroads and interurban trolley
lines that served the Rochester area. As the industrial landscape of Rochester
changed, and highways replaced the railroads, the Rochester subway gradually
became a relic of a bygone era. In 1956 the subway was abandoned and much of
its route was converted into Interstate 490 — built to connect Rochester
with the New York State Thruway (I-90). Read more about the history of the Rochester Subway.
RochesterSubway.com exists to help spark
public dialogue around how we can better connect the neighborhoods of Rochester
NY, surrounding communities, and their cultural offerings. Rochester’s
future is written in her past. Let's rediscover it.
