Early 1800's Public Transportation Was By Horse Drawn Omnibus

In the early to mid 1800’s, public transportation in most major cities in North America and Europe, was provided by horse drawn omnibus. Because the streets in those days were either dirt or mud, depending on the season, or at best paved with cobblestones, the ride was usually very rough. These vehicles were very slow, but they were still faster than walking. The word bus, that we use to describe those large diesel vehicles we ride today, came from the word omnibus, which means: bus for all the people.

Some omnibus companies that were located in northern climates, would take the wheels off their vehicles during snowy weather, and replace them with sleigh runners. The horse would then pull the omnibus through the streets as a sleigh. Remember, there were no snow plows back then.

Click on "HORSE CAR ROAD" to Continue your ride through the history of the trolley era.