Jitney Buses scrapbook

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 6023

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Dates

Creation: 1914 December-1915 March

Conditions Governing Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Historical note

The jitneys were private automobiles that operated as "buses" and competed with the network of streetcars in downtown Los Angeles (and other cities) in the early years of the 20th century. Unlike the streetcars, they were unregulated, meaning their drivers were not commercially licensed and did not follow standard routes; and their vehicles were not uniformly identified and were not bonded or insured; and they paid no taxes. The "nickel chasers" as they were dubbed, were the cause of traffic congestion and of many traffic accidents.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This small scrapbook contains clippings, from December 1914 to March 1915, documenting the controversy over lack of regulation of "jitney" buses in Los Angeles. Many of the clippings come from the Los Angeles Times, the Express, the Tribune, and the Examiner, and are identified as such in pencil or ink annotations, along with dates (often without year). The remainder of the clippings are not identified as to source. The jitneys were private automobiles that operated as "buses" and competed with the network of streetcars in downtown Los Angeles (and other cities) in the early years of the 20th century. Unlike the streetcars, they were unregulated, meaning their drivers were not commercially licensed and did not follow standard routes; and their vehicles were not uniformly identified and were not bonded or insured; and they paid no taxes. The "nickel chasers" as they were dubbed, were the cause of traffic congestion and of many traffic accidents.