The Key System Railway

In addition to the freight lines that ran through the neighborhood, during the early 20th Century many streetcar systems and interurban railways ran through northern California. Prior to regular car ownership and the construction of so many roads, tunnels, and freeways, it was possible to get almost anywhere on a regional passenger train -- as far north as Chico! In fact, passenger and freight trains often dictated where growth developed. The railway construction was mostly driven by Francis Marion "Borax" Smith, who made his money in mining, then building infrastructure through land he owned to make it more valuable. Homeowners regulations fought the installation of such lines on their streets. Passenger service on the Key System ended in 1941 due to falling ridership. The train lines were finally removed from Shafter in the late 1950’s — and almost immediately after, the Grove/Shafter freeway was installed in the same area the homeowners fought to remove the railroad tracks. The remnants of the Key System, mostly bus routes, eventually became AC Transit.