The purpose of this group is to provide historical background information on the former "San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose Railway Company" created in 1903 by Francis Marion "Borax" Smith and includes all available detailed information on this company and its successors, which will include the Key System, Oakland Traction, Oakland Terminal Railway, California Railway, and all other corporate identities and subsidiaries.

For purposes of simplicity, the term "KEY ROUTE" is being used to refer to all or most subjects, particularly involving surburban, interurban and transbay operations.

Ferry operations, signaling, train control, dispatching, tower and yard operations and other details will all be addressed.

Historical commentary, recollections and submission of photos are all encouraged. Enjoy this look back at a great electric interurban railway system. Photos and other graphics can be found on this site in the FILES or PHOTOS sections. In addition, many photos can be viewed at the Key Rail Pix site [www.keyrailpix.org].

John Stashik, Owner
aka "STASH"