The Great American Streetcar Scandal

The Great American Streetcar Scandal refers to claims that automobile and oil companies, notably General Motors, secretly orchestrated the decline of urban streetcar systems in the mid-20th century. They allegedly bought and dismantled streetcar networks to promote car ownership and the expansion of car-centric infrastructure, influencing public policy for profit. While some evidence suggests corporate influence, the narrative is debated, and historical consensus indicates multiple factors—such as increased automobile popularity, suburban growth, and regulatory changes—also played roles in the decline of streetcars.