Question

trolley - cars or trams were once the chief mode of public transportation in the united states. though they required tracks and electric cables to run, they rode very smoothly and comfortably. in 1902, auto - manufacturer general motors created a special unit to replace electric trolleys with cars, trucks, and buses over the next decade. they lobbied for laws and regulations that made operating trams more difficult and less profitable. in 1916 general motors created several front - companies to purchase and dismantle the trolley - car system. they received big investments from firestone tire, standard oil of california, phillips petroleum, and others in the automotive industry. some people suspect that these parties wanted to replace trolley cars with buses to make public transportation less desirable. this would then increase automobile sales. the decline of the tram system in north america could be blamed on many things - labor strikes, the great depression, regulations that were unfavorable to operators. yet, perhaps the primary cause was having a group of powerful men from rival sectors of the auto industry working together to ensure its destruction.

1. note three reasons for the decline of the trolley - car system.
2. summarize the passage in your own words.

Explanation:

The passage discusses the decline of trolley cars in the US, noting they were once main public transport. General Motors and allies (oil, tire companies) replaced them via regulations, front companies buying systems, and investments, likely to boost auto sales, with coordinated industry efforts as a primary cause.

Answer:

1. Trolley cars were once the main US public transport. General Motors and allied industries (oil, tire) replaced them through regulations, front companies purchasing trolley systems, and investments, likely to boost auto sales, with coordinated industry efforts as a key cause of their decline.