RochesterSubway.com : Gift Shop : Transit Tokens : RTC Token (1965-1968)



RTC Token (Rollover the image to zoom) This particular token was first issued by Rochester Transit Corporation in 1965. This is a White Metal (not plated) 16mm token. Obverse (front) reads ROCHESTER TRANSIT CORP. ROCHESTER, N.Y. The reverse reads GOOD FOR ONE CITY FARE. This coin is listed in Atwood-Coffee, #NY 780-Hb. Tokens and other Rochester Transit artifacts like this one can be highly collectible. We make every effort to display these artifacts in true, high detail so that what you see here is what you will enjoy if you decide to purchase. Please note, the token shown above may or may not be the exact token you will receive. We cant always update the photo as quickly as these coins sell. If youd like to see the exact coin youre buying, or have any other questions regarding this item, feel free to ask us.

Good for One

City Fare.





Rochesters first tokens were introduced in 1887 by the Rochester City and Brighton Railway. In those days, city trolleys were horse drawn and tokens (23mm in size), were sold 22 for $1.00. Due to a lack of popularity, tokens were discontinued and replace with tickets until 1900 when the Rochester Railway Co. reintroduced them in their smaller (16mm) size. Since then, tokens have been used regularly for city fares by Rochester Railway Co. and then Rochester Transit Corp. when eventually they would change from metal to plastic. In 1943 Donald Byrne, who was with the RTC and its rail predecessors for 59 years, recalled the following: When tokens were introduced, riders had to walk to the front of the car and hand one to the driver. Later, fare conveyors were installed and passengers could board at the rear, find a seat, and drop a token into the conveyor. On the old cars there was a device that registered the passengers as they stepped onto the rear platform. That indicated to the driver how many passengers were aboard. If someone tried to evade paying a fare the driver would jingle a warning belland everyone would look to see who didnt pay. For a closer look at this item

rollover the image to the left.





