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A Lookback 1950 New York Tunnel Police


In the 1950s, the New York Tunnel Police patrolled the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels using specialized miniature cars. These electric, bi-directional cars, known as "catwalk cars," were first tested in the Holland Tunnel under the Hudson River in 1954. Before their introduction, six Port Authority Police Department officers managed traffic problems by walking the 2.5-foot-wide catwalks. The new three-horsepower electric cars allowed for more efficient patrols, reducing the required staff to four officers and enabling speeds of up to 12 mph.


The Holland Tunnel cars featured a canopy design, while the Lincoln Tunnel used a different model hooked to a wall rail with sheet-metal sides. These compact vehicles were essential for navigating the tight spaces of the tunnels and were not suitable for larger officers. Despite their modest power, these carts remained in service until the last one was decommissioned in 2011.



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