Transforming Mass Transit with Technology

Which technologies helped transform mass transit by 1900?

a. Subways

b. Cable cars

c. Gasoline-powered buses

d. Electric trolleys

e. Elevated trains

Answer:

By 1900, several technologies like subways, cable cars, electric trolleys, and elevated trains had helped transform mass transit. However, gasoline-powered buses were not introduced until 1914, thus they did not contribute to the transformation of mass transit by 1900.

By 1900, mass transit had substantially transformed due to several key technological innovations. Subways were first introduced in London in 1863 and later in Boston and New York in the late 1890s. Cable cars became popular in hilly cities like San Francisco in the early 1870s. Electric trolleys, invented by Frank Sprague, were launched in 1887, and elevated trains were in operation as early as 1868 in New York City.

However, the gasoline-powered bus was not introduced until after 1900, specifically in 1914 in England. The concept was eventually adopted and modified by various countries over the years. Therefore, the correct answer would be c. gasoline-powered buses, as they did not contribute to the transformation of mass transit by 1900.

These technological advancements revolutionized the way people traveled within cities, making mass transit more efficient and accessible to the public. The integration of subways, cable cars, electric trolleys, and elevated trains laid the foundation for modern transportation systems around the world.