The Fern Hill Streetcar Siege
Residents of a Tacoma suburb blockade streetcar tracks for nearly 24 hours to protest a fare hike.
Residents of Fern Hill, who blockaded the streetcar line through that suburb, effectively tying up traffic, maintained their siege from 5:30 Friday afternoon until noon Saturday. Through the mediation of councilmen, they were induced to withdraw and traffic on the line was opened. The Fern Hillites paid the extra five-cent fare they had been fighting, accepting receipts pending the outcome of legal proceedings. General Manager Dimmick declared the company will go to the United States Supreme Court before it will reduce the fares, while the residents declare the fares will be reduced or the cars won't run very long.
“Fern Hillites declare the fares will be reduced or the cars won't run very long.”
This transit protest highlights a recurring theme in Washington history: the struggle between private utility monopolies and the communities they serve. The 'Fern Hillites' tactics of direct action over transit costs echo modern debates over public transportation accessibility and affordability.
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